Millions of people worldwide are considered stateless, lacking official documents like birth certificates, which severely restricts their access to education, employment, and basic rights. Arnold Ncube, a 25-year-old South African, exemplifies this struggle, unable to complete his education or secure stable employment due to his lack of a birth certificate.

Ncube was born in Johannesburg to a South African father, making him eligible for citizenship. However, after being abandoned by his parents, he could not prove his status when he attempted to register for secondary school. "It's a painful thing," he said, describing his experience as feeling "invisible" and non-existent. Without official documentation, Ncube is limited to informal work, such as washing cars in Thembisa township near Johannesburg, to earn a living.

Statelessness is a complex global issue with far-reaching consequences. A birth certificate serves as a foundational document, establishing a person's legal identity and nationality. Without it, individuals face significant barriers in accessing essential services, including education, healthcare, and formal employment. They may also be denied the right to vote, own property, or travel freely.

The causes of statelessness are varied and can include discriminatory laws, gaps in nationality laws, state succession, and administrative obstacles. In some cases, individuals may be born in a country but not acquire citizenship due to their parents' nationality or lack of documentation. Others may become stateless as a result of displacement or conflict.

Organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are working to address statelessness globally through advocacy, legal assistance, and registration programs. UNHCR's IBelong campaign aims to end statelessness by 2024 by urging states to improve their nationality laws and procedures.

The South African government has taken steps to address the issue of undocumented individuals within its borders, including initiatives to simplify the birth registration process and provide pathways to citizenship for long-term residents. However, challenges remain in reaching marginalized communities and ensuring that all individuals have access to the documents they need to fully participate in society. The Department of Home Affairs continues to review and update its policies to address statelessness and ensure that all residents have a recognized legal identity.