Tello Shadrake and Lililoro Pitsho, Lesotho nationals who live at the Ginger Park informal settlement in Paulshof, say they now carry their passport wherever they go as proof that they are legally in South Africa.

“I carry my passport with me to be safe,” Shadrake said while holding up the document, “and to show that I am here legally.”
He said growing public attention on illegal immigration has left many documented foreign nationals feeling uncertain about how they may be perceived.

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“We heard people talking about marches against illegal foreign nationals. Even though I have legal documents, I still carry my passport because I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding.”

Shadrake said he hopes people will distinguish between undocumented immigrants and those who have complied with South Africa’s immigration laws. He added that he wants to continue living and working peacefully, without feeling the need to constantly explain his legal status.

His experience reflects concerns expressed by some documented foreign nationals who say they are taking extra precautions amid increased public debate around illegal immigration.

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While residents at the Ginger Park informal settlement continued with their daily routines, Pitsho said the uncertainty had changed his own daily habits. “I just want to be safe. Carrying my passport gives me peace of mind, at least.”

As discussions around immigration continue across the country, Pitsho hopes people will remember that not every foreign national is in South Africa illegally.

“There are some of us here at the informal settlement who are here legally. We respect the laws of this country and just want to live in peace.”

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