Abstract
This paper examines the precarious existence and contested belonging of undocumented migrants in South Africa by employing the biblical Ruth's narrative. Moving beyond traditional exegesis, it utilises qualitative thematic analysis of grey literature to capture the lived reality of undocumented immigration and interpret it through narrative ethics and liberation hermeneutics. The findings demonstrate that Ruth's story provides a prophetic counter-narrative to dominant xenophobic discourse. The study challenges the betrayal of Ubuntu and reframes immigration as an act of hesed (covenantal loyalty). The study concludes with theological reflections and concrete recommendations, arguing that South Africans and faith-based organisations in particular are summoned to embody a radical hesed-driven Ubuntu that transforms immigrant exclusions into kinship.