Zimbabwe Siblings Fear Future After facing Possible Deportation From South Africa

Zimbabwean Siblings Fear Future After Facing Possible Deportation From South Africa
By Terries Twananani Hlongwani
Two Zimbabwean siblings who were born and raised in South Africa are facing uncertainty over their future after concerns that they could be sent to Zimbabwe.
Lorraine Ncube, 18, and Lawrence Ncube, 16, were both born in South Africa and have spent their entire lives in the country. The siblings say they have built their lives, education, and friendships in South Africa and fear that being forced to move to Zimbabwe would leave them struggling to adapt.
The teenagers say their biggest concerns are their education, accommodation, and general living conditions if they are returned to a country they have never called home.
Although their parents are originally from Zimbabwe, the siblings argue that they were born in South Africa and have grown up in the country, making their future closely connected to South Africa.
Their concerns come amid ongoing discussions around immigration and documentation in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has stated that a person cannot automatically become a South African citizen if their parents do not have the required legal documents or permission to reside in the country.