Invisible Chains: The Journey of Elias Matondo

At 20, Elias Matondo left Angola for South Africa. Two decades later, he remains trapped in bureaucratic limbo—undocumented, unable to work legally or open a bank account despite marrying a South African and raising three children here.

Every day, Elias hustles to survive: cutting hair, reupholstering furniture, making music, and writing—anything to support his family while caring for his youngest child.

His story represents countless immigrants caught between systems, their contributions unrecognized by the institutions that could legitimize their existence.