One Friday afternoon Dalene Ritter the Provincial Director of Child Welfare South Africa phoned me and she asked whether we would take three children into the Thamsanqa Foster Homes as they are driving around with the police.trying to find a safe house for them. They were running from their Dad who was abusing them and chasing them with a knife. . Their mother left them about 15 months ago when the baby was only three months. Very unwillingly as all three the houses were full and we have not started with the renovations to the 4th house, I took the children
We took them into one of the houses for the weekend and moved them out on the Monday. I got permission from Uncedo Lo Mama that the caregiver could look after them as there were no abused women at that stage. The social worker responsible for the Green Bushes area promised to investigate the father’s circumstances and make a recommendation concerning the children. But never did.
The three children stayed with us for 6 months. Cynthia and the different Be More Dutch volunteers cared for them. FRS provided food. Everybody who came fell in love with these three children. After a while we decided that they will move into the 4th house as soon as the house is completed.
Finally on 6 December we moved into the house. At three thirty Franka(Be More volunteer) and myself went to fetch the children. Their beds were made with lovely sheets and duvets that Tiny and Franka bought for them. I was heart sore to remove them from their caregiver but Simphiwe and Zanele the new foster parents looked forward to have them. And Uncedo Lo Mama was closing down.
Little Apele on his bed with his foster mother, Zanele standing by.
Children in their new room.
Lungiswa on her bed with Lungisa sitting next to her. Lungisa’s bed is above that of Apelele.
Everybody watching TV. I am there too. Simpohiwe has Apelele on his lap.
The foster parent’s bedroom.
They were overwhelmed. Apelele had his own bed and Lungisa and Lungiswa theirs.
They were so thrilled but little Apelele most of all! He went to bed on his own and slept till 9h00 the next day. A bed of his own.
We are taking a boy from Ithemba for the school holidays. The other three children will come after the holidays.
I hope to have more photos soon.
