'You're invisible, you don't exist' - life without a birth certificate

Many people may take their birth certificate, or similar official papers, for granted - hidden in a drawer and rarely seeing the light of day - but for those without one, it can lead to a shadow life or an uncertain existence.

This is thought to affect millions, and 25-year-old Arnold Ncube is one of them. He has no state-issued documents and works washing cars in the backstreets of Thembisa township near Johannesburg.

Born in Johannesburg, Arnold's father was South African, granting him eligibility for citizenship. However, when he attempted to enroll in secondary school, he discovered he lacked a birth certificate. Abandoned by his parents, he was unable to prove his status.

It's a painful thing, Arnold states. You're basically invisible. You don't exist. It's like you're living in the shadows. You don't have a bank account, you can't apply for a decent job that you can earn a living with. Despite feeling hopeless at times, Arnold maintains optimism and hopes to return to school to study computer science.

Arnold is among at least an estimated 10,000 stateless individuals in South Africa who, despite being born in the country, face significant challenges in proving their nationality and accessing public services. Even more alarming, many stateless people worldwide, estimated at 4.5 million, struggle with similar issues.

Human rights lawyer Christy Chitengu shared her own experience of becoming stateless at the age of 17 when she learned her school didn't have proper documentation for her. Born to immigrant parents from Zimbabwe, she was given a handwritten birth certificate, which was deemed invalid by South African authorities, hindering her access to education.

Christy highlights the urgent need for policy changes recognizing the citizenship of stateless children, emphasizing that citizenship is not merely a reward but a fundamental right enabling individuals to live dignified lives.

As Arnold plays football with local kids, he reflects on his journey to gain the documentation he needs to prove his identity and secure a better future. The advocacy for stateless individuals like Arnold and Christy is crucial to ensure inclusion and support in society.