Two undocumented Zimbabwean siblings have made an emotional appeal to remain in South Africa, the only country they have ever known, saying they fear being deported to Zimbabwe, a place they have never called home.
Eighteen-year-old Lorraine Ncube and her 16-year-old brother, Lawrence Ncube, were both born and raised in South Africa. Despite spending their entire lives in the country, the siblings now face the possibility of being repatriated because they do not have the necessary legal documentation to remain in South Africa.
Speaking in an interview, the pair shared their concerns about what deportation would mean for their future. They said they have no meaningful connection to Zimbabwe and would be forced to start life from scratch in a country that feels unfamiliar to them.
Lorraine explained that South Africa is the only home she has ever known. Having grown up, attended school and built her life in the country, she fears that being removed would disrupt her dreams and opportunities. Her younger brother, Lawrence, echoed those concerns, saying he is worried about what lies ahead if they are forced to relocate.
The siblings said they face an uncertain future should they be deported, as they are unfamiliar with life in Zimbabwe and do not know how they would adapt. Their situation highlights the difficulties experienced by children born in South Africa to undocumented foreign nationals, many of whom find themselves caught between two countries when they reach adulthood.
The case has also reignited discussions about immigration, documentation and the legal status of children who have spent their entire lives in South Africa but lack citizenship or permanent residence. While some people believe those who are undocumented should return to their countries of origin, others argue that individuals who were born and raised in South Africa deserve an opportunity to regularise their status and continue building their lives in the country.
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The siblings’ story has generated mixed reactions on social media. Some users sympathised with their plight, saying it would be unfair to send young people to a country they barely know. Others insisted that immigration laws should be applied consistently, regardless of where someone was born or raised.
As the debate continues, Lorraine and Lawrence remain hopeful that a solution can be found that will allow them to stay in South Africa. They say their biggest wish is to continue their education, pursue careers and contribute positively to the country they consider home.
Their story serves as another reminder of the complex human impact of immigration policies, particularly on young people who have grown up in South Africa but whose legal status remains unresolved. Whether their appeal will influence their future remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a broader conversation about identity, belonging and the challenges surrounding undocumented migrants in the country.
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