They are the children of refugees who have become permanent residents. Yet they continue to struggle for official acknowledgement and a more secure status.<\/p>\n
By: Jan Bornman<\/p>\n
Despite being born in South Africa, 23-year-old Ali* has no idea what it feels like to enjoy the rights granted to South African citizens.<\/p>\n
Ali was born to Congolese refugee parents who met in Johannesburg. His father now has permanent residence but his mother still uses a refugee permit and awaits her own permanent residence identity document. Ali and three of his four siblings are linked to their mother\u2019s refugee status.<\/p>\n
Registered as an international student at the University of Johannesburg, where he is pursuing a diploma in sports management, Ali cannot apply for citizenship by naturalisation because his parents have permanent residence. But he cannot be deemed a dependent on his parents\u2019 permanent residence permit because he is over the age of 21. Ali risks statelessness in the country where he was born.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest, growing up I\u2019ve always considered myself to be South African. I can\u2019t even speak French. I can only understand Swahili, but I can\u2019t speak it. I\u2019ve never even been outside of Gauteng,\u201d Ali said, sitting on a bed in the small room he shares with his parents and siblings.<\/p>\n