Improving Lives
The scheme has housed 32 children who have since come of age and have either been reunited with families or have started families of their own. All Ekukhanyeni children are supported until they are independent. For some this is up to the time they acquire new jobs after attaining their degrees, while others are absorbed into the Zisize workforce.
Below are the stories of some of our children. (We have used fictitious names to protect the identity of our children.)
Amahle Mafuleka
Born on the 22nd April 2014, is our youngest daughter. She attends Zisize crèche. She is the second born daughter of Zandile who died a few days after Amahle’s birth, leaving Amahle and her brother Omuhle (Grade R) in the hands of Ekukhanyeni staff. Amahle and Omuhle were born to Zandile while she was schooled and cared for by Ekukhanyeni. They are orphaned as we are unable reach both their fathers.
Setha Mngomezulu
(Grade 1), born in 2008, was placed with us by the Department of Social Development in conjunction with the Department of Health. We are still trying to get hold of his mother. He has lived his life at the centre since he was found just after birth.
Thembinkosi Mathenjwa
(Grade 6) came to stay at the centre in late 2013 due to child neglect. He was referred by his class teachers to Zisize. The child was then fetched by the Zisize nurse and social worker. He was then admitted to Mosvold Hospital for the treatment of sores which were all over his body and was placed at the centre to avoid default from treatment.
Asanda Myeni & Thabani Mthiyane
(both in Grade 3) were removed from their home following child abuse cases that were reported to our social workers. They had experienced difficult times that affected their psychological development. They have been cared for by the centre since then. Their mother’s whereabouts are unknown.