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Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
In a bold move to dismantle illegal mining operations, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crackdown has resulted in over 18 000 arrests, predominantly targeting illegal immigrants, as part of efforts to cut off supplies and force miners out of the country’s dangerous shafts.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to register commendable progress where members are hard at work in preventing and combatting illicit mining activities across the country. Our members are still conducting patrols and standing static at disused and abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein and in other hotspot areas,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday in Pretoria,
Operation Vala Umgodi started in December 2023. As a result of this initiative, 458 firearms and 12 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized during operations across the country
In addition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles, and 84 big machinery are amongst the items that were confiscated from illegal mining operations.
More than R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million have been seized.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, Masemola said more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein ,are still in police custody.
Masemola said a total of 121 people have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans as well as one Congolese and Malawian.
“The Department of health forensic pathologists are busy with the autopsies with assistance of the SAPS victim identification centre (VIC), where fingerprints and sample for DNA analysis are being collected and sent to laboratory for analysis.
“Our teams have collected DNA [s a small amount of biological material, such as saliva, blood, hair, or skin cells, that contains genetic information] samples from the human remains, fingerprints and buccal samples from some family members who came forward. The process to identify who the deceased persons are / is still underway.
“On the issue surrounding the escape of Neo James Tshwaeli (Tiger) – a dedicated team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence operatives have been piecing together information and this has so far resulted in four of our own members being arrested. The members have been removed from this operation and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:50
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Africans Struggle With Interethnic Trust but Embrace Coexistence, New Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile Shows
Most Africans embrace coexistence even if they struggle with interethnic trust, the latest Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) Pan-Africa Profile (http://apo-opa.co/4gl1zTi) shows.
Based on data from 33 African countries surveyed in 2021/2023, the new report shows that most citizens have no objection to living next door to people from different ethnic backgrounds and are open to interethnic marriages within their own families. However, many express low levels of trust in people from other ethnic groups as well as in people from other religions and outsiders beyond family and community networks.
The report also shows that Africans are likely to prioritise their national identity over their ethnic one or to feel allegiance to both equally. Only a small minority put their ethnic identity first. But a growing number of citizens report that their government treats members of their ethnic group unfairly.
Key findings
- On average across 33 countries surveyed in 2021/2023, two in 10 Africans (21%) say they trust people from other ethnic groups “a lot,” while 36% trust them “somewhat” (Figure 1).
- But fully nine out of 10 citizens have no objection to living next door to people from different ethnic backgrounds (90%) (Figure 2) and are open to interethnic marriages within their own families (89%) (Figure 3).
- Four in 10 Africans (41%) feel more connected to their national than their ethnic identity, compared to just 14% who prioritise their ethnic over their national identity; the remaining 45% are equally attached to both (Figure 4).
- An overwhelming majority (92%) of Mauritanians feel primarily connected to their national identity, followed by 79% in Guinea and 69% in Congo-Brazzaville. A majority take this position in eight countries.
- Majorities are equally attached to both identities in 11 countries, led by Liberians (71%), Ghanaians (67%), Ugandans (67%), and Batswana (65%).
- Expressing primary allegiance to one's ethnic identity is a minority position in all countries, reaching a high of about one in four respondents in just three: Nigeria (27%), South Africa (26%), and Ethiopia (24%).
- Across 25 countries surveyed consistently since Round 5 (2011/2013), there has been a 12-percentage-point decrease in those primarily attached to their national identity, alongside an 8-point increase in those who identify equally with both identities. There has also been a modest increase – by 4 points – in preference for ethnic identity, although it remains a minority position (Figure 5).
- Four in 10 Africans (41%) report that members of their ethnic group are “sometimes,” “often,” or “always” treated unfairly by their government because of their ethnicity. Across 25 countries, perceptions of ethnic discrimination have increased by 8 percentage points since 2016/2018 (Figure 6).
Afrobarometer surveys
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 9 surveys (2021/2023) cover 39 countries.
Afrobarometer's national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.
For more information, please contact:
Asafika Mpako
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +27 83 979 8299
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Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.
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President Ramaphosa extends well wishes to China on Lunar New Year
President Ramaphosa extends well wishes to China on Lunar New Year
President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed messages of goodwill to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the commencement of the Lunar New Year of the Snake and Annual Spring Festival, on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated to usher in a New Year on the day of the first sighting of the new moon, in line with the traditional Chinese calendar.
This year has been declared the Year of the Snake. The snake is expected to bring about transformation and new beginnings.
"We extend our good wishes to the Chinese community in South Africa including Chinese citizens who live in or are currently visiting our beautiful country.
“Similarly, we wish that the New Year will bring continued success to our Chinese trade and investment partners who are making an important contribution to our economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President expressed his hope that the new brings new prosperity in relations between the two countries.
“We are confident that, under the leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, the Year of the Snake will sustain the People’s Republic of China’s standing as a formidable force for good and a source of wisdom and shared prosperity in the global family of nations.
“May the celebration of Spring and the rebirth of nature be a symbol of the blossoming of even closer relations between our two nations under our All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 09:06
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Lottery Bosses Turned to State Security Agency to Investigate Leaks
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Remaining silent on GBVF ‘not an option’ – Justice Minister
Remaining silent on GBVF 'not an option' - Justice Minister
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has reiterated government’s commitment to fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
The Minister delivered remarks at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s Women Empowerment 365 Days Against Gender-Based Violence dialogue held in Soweto on Tuesday.
“As part of [the] criminal justice system, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is working tirelessly to ensure that legal and law enforcement services work on enforcing domestic violence laws and strengthening legal frameworks,” the Minister said.
The department, she said, is working closely with civil society to see the “realisation of the aspirations of the National Strategic Plan to End Gender-based Violence and Femicide”.
“In line with the GBVF Strategic Plan, the department therefore intends to increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts, particularly in rural communities.
“In line with the newly developed National Strategy on Support Services for Domestic Violence Survivors, the department intends to upgrade 100 district courts to offer services that are custom-made for survivors of domestic violence,” she said.
The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was adopted in 2020 as a society-wide programme to end GBVF. It is organised around six pillars, which are aimed at prevention of GBV, strengthening the criminal justice response to GBV, and providing support, care and healing to survivors of gender-based violence.
Femicide Watch and addressing backlogs
Kubayi said the department will publish the very first Femicide Watch in Africa repository.
“This is a national repository of GBV-related femicide cases designed to provide the numerical analysis, the profile and the severity of the pandemic of femicide in our country, so as to assist government and our partners in establishing informed programmatic interventions,” Kubayi added.
In the courts, the department has initiated a 100-day challenge to “reduce and ultimately eliminate backlog cases of domestic violence, sexual offences, maintenance and divorce matters”.
“In 100 Days, selected courts with high volume of backlog GBV cases will be challenged to come up with creative and sustainable innovations to reduce the turnaround times in the finalisation of these cases and also to address the existing case backlogs,” the Minister explained.
Whole of society approach
Kubayi highlighted that GBVF is deeply rooted in societal structures and patriarchal practices that perpetuate toxic masculinity and gender inequalities.
“As a woman or a girl child in this country, you can be directly affected by GBV and femicide regardless of your socio-economic class in society or the position you hold.
“Our social and family constructions are largely engrained in patriarchal practices, toxic masculinities, and gendered power inequalities, which often result in family dysfunctions, solo parenting, gender-based violence and killings,” she said.
Referencing a study by the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that at least three out of 10 women have experienced GBV, the Minister urged society not to become desensitised to these acts.
“This is not acceptable, and we should not accept [it] as a society. The stories of women getting killed by their partners have become so prevalent on social media platforms to the extent that when we read them, we no longer get shocked or outraged, we just read and move on.
“It is for this reason that I welcome this dialogue because it serves as a reminder to all of us that gender-based violence is unacceptable and that remaining silent is not an option.
“We all have a responsibility to speak out, to report it wherever it rears its ugly head in our homes, our neighboursand even in the homes of our beloved relatives,” Kubayi said.
The Minister called for a united front, urging all sectors of society to join the fight against GBVF.
“We believe that working together as a society, we can defeat the scourge of gender-based violence.
“We believe that we can a achieve a South Africa free from gender-based violence directed at women, children and LGBTQIA+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual] persons,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 12:57
255 views
De Kock remembered as defender of SA democracy
De Kock remembered as defender of SA democracy
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has praised the late Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP), Advocate Rodney De Kock, as a person of “high ethical standards and integrity”.
Speaking at the official memorial service for De Kock, who passed away last week, following a brief battle with cancer, Kubayi highlighted the significant loss to the country.
“Advocate De Kock’s untimely death has come at a time when his country needed him the most. It is has become difficult to find men and women of Advocate De Kock's calibre in the public service.
“I am speaking about men and women of high ethical standards and integrity, who are willing to take the road less travelled,” she said.
READ | Passing of NPA deputy head a 'profound loss'
The Minister commended De Kock’s unwavering commitment “in defence of our democracy” during the years when State capture plagued the country.
“Not so long ago, because of State capture, our young democracy was characterised by turbulence that almost destroyed critical institutions, especially the criminal justice system. The rot that seeped into the fabric of our country would not have been possible without the weakening of the institutions in the criminal justice system.
“A concerted effort was put into ensuring critical institutions in the criminal justice, [including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)], became dysfunctional. Although the system was weakened, there were men and women who stood firm and never allowed themselves to cower under the weight of widespread wrongdoing, and Advocate De Kock was one of those individuals.
“Because of him and others like him, the system was weakened but it was never broken and was never destroyed, hence today we can talk about rebuilding the institutions,” Kubayi said.
She insisted that the “the work of building a fair and effective” NPA must continue uninterrupted in honour of De Kock.
“A lot of work has already been done to restore confidence in the work of the NPA and on the institution itself.
“There is more work that lies ahead. It is not easy to rebuild an institution whose proper functioning threatens to disrupt the lives of those who are rich and powerful. It requires men and women who are willing to stand for what is right in the face of the most unrelenting attacks,” she said.
Kubayi called on all officials serving in the NPA to double efforts to rebuild confidence in the NPA.
“The Freedom Charter, which inspired the drafting of our Constitution, envisioned a society in which all shall be equal before the law.
“It is this vision that inspired Rodney’s work as legal practitioner, and it is the vision that must continue to inspire our efforts of rebuilding the integrity and confidence of the NPA and by extension, the criminal justice system,” she said.
The Minister once again expressed condolences to the De Kock family for their loss.
“We thank the De Kock family for giving us their beloved father, son and brother to serve our country, a task in which he acquitted himself with distinction. His legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us.
“Let me again express my deepest condolences for the loss you have suffered as a family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 14:30
72 views
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SANDF members killed in rebel attack near Goma Airport
SANDF members killed in rebel attack near Goma Airport
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the passing away of three of its members following a mortar bomb attack by the M23 rebel militia near Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday.
This follows an exchange of mortar bomb between the Forces Armees de la Republic Democratique du Congo (FARDC), Congolese Defence Force and the M23 rebel militia near Goma Airport, where the SANDF base is collocated.
“The M23 rebels launched several a mortar bomb in the direction of Goma Airport, which landed in the SANDF base, and this resulted in the SANDF losing three members,” the SANDF said in a statement on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the SANDF announced that one of its members, who sustained critical injuries during recent battles with the M23 rebels over the past three days, later succumbed to their injuries.
Other injured members are currently receiving medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma.
Despite this devastating loss, the SANDF has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its peacekeeping mandate under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
“Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” the SANDF said.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Major General (ret) Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, together with the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya send their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family.
The death of the three members follows the recent passing away of nine members of the SANDF.
READ | SA to continue promoting stability in the DRC
This as the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting regarding deadly clashes in eastern DRC, following Kinshasa’s withdrawal of its diplomats from Kigali as Rwanda-backed rebels advanced on the key city of Goma. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 12:13
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Mchunu honours men and women in blue
Mchunu honours men and women in blue
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has thanked police officers for the sacrifices they make to safeguard the country.
The country on Monday marked National Police Day.
"You leave your families to serve the greater family that is our beloved country. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa and the people you so diligently protect, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
"The parade today is a symbol of the discipline, strength, and capabilities of the SAPS [South African Police Service]. It is a reminder to the people of South Africa that their police service is committed to excellence," the Minister said when delivering his keynote address at the National Police Day celebrations at Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday.
The day brought together men and women in blue to recognise and celebrate the critical role played by law enforcement in upholding justice and maintaining public order.
Approved in 2005 by Cabinet, National Police Day also serves as a platform to strengthen the bond between police officers and the communities they serve.
READ | Salute to police officers!
National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola, also paid tribute to police officers.
"When we reflect, as the SAPS management, we see a trail of momentous sacrifices made. We see you deprive yourselves of sleep, family time and social life patrolling the streets of South Africa day and night.
“We see you maintaining public order, we see you protecting the residents of South Africa and their property, and we see you putting an effort to prevent, combat and investigate crime in service of our country," said General Masemola.
This year's National Police Day programme included a ceremonial parade, displays and exhibitions to showcase the capabilities and expertise within the SAPS.
National Police Day underscores SAPS's commitment to professionalising the service, promoting accountability, and ensuring a safer South Africa for all.
The event was preceded by a series of activities, which included the National Golf Day, where more than R11 million was raised on Friday towards the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET).
Also, the SAPS hosted its 10th edition National Excellence Awards on Sunday, where police officers and support personnel were awarded for going above and beyond the call of duty in the last year.
SAPS also extended its gratitude to all police officers for their unwavering dedication and to the community for its continued support. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 09:35
120 views
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Salute to police officers!
Salute to police officers!
The blood, sweat and tears of the men and women in blue have been honoured at the official National Police Day event.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said National Police Day, which was held in Durban on Monday, 27 January, is a platform to recognise the sacrifices, courage and unwavering dedication of the members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Today, we pause to reflect on your invaluable contributions, to honour your service and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and strengthening our police service,” Mchunu told officers at the event.
With South Africa having marked 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy last year, Mchunu said the journey of transformation towards a democratic South Africa has been characterised by significant shifts in creating a police service "for the people, by the people".
This year, National Police Day was held under the theme: "Celebrating 30 Years of Policing in Democracy".
In 2005, Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day -- a day set aside to remember the sacrifices made by men and women in blue.
“We transitioned from a past marked by division to a future founded on unity, justice and human rights,” Mchunu said.
Throughout the years, SAPS has played a critical role in strengthening democracy, protecting citizens and ensuring that every South African can live in safety and dignity.
“You are the shield between law-abiding citizens and those who wish to inflict harm upon them. You are the first line of defence in our fight against crime, corruption and lawlessness.
“We gather here at Kings Park Athletic Stadium, not only as officials and law enforcement personnel but as a unified force standing against crime and injustice.
“As officers of the law, you bear the immense responsibility of ensuring peace, maintaining order and bringing justice to those who seek to undermine our nation’s security. Every day, you put your lives on the line, facing unimaginable dangers to safeguard our communities.
“You leave your families to serve the greater family that is our beloved country. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa and the people you so diligently protect, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. We honour your bravery. We respect your resilience, and we salute your dedication,” Mchunu said.
Crime, however, remains one of the greatest challenges facing the nation.
“We will not falter in our duty to dismantle criminal networks, to root out corruption and to restore public confidence in law enforcement. We recognise that policing is not just about enforcement; it is about service.
“It is about building trust between officers and communities, ensuring that every citizen regardless of where they live feels safe, protected and heard,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the trust of the people in the SAPS is the greatest weapon.
“Our strength lies in the bonds we forge with our communities. The more we work together, the stronger we become in our mission to eradicate crime. A police service that commands the trust of the people is a police service that can truly make a difference.
“We must continuously invest in training, technology, and community partnerships to enhance our effectiveness. A police service that adapts, innovates, and works hand in hand with the people is a police service that can truly serve and protect,” the Minister said.
Honouring the legacy
At its last annual Police Commemoration Day in September last year, SAPS honoured 39 officers, who died in the line of duty between 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
SAPS also has the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET), which was officially established on 23 November 2010. The objective is to provide financial and resource support to the children of fallen heroes and heroines, who died in the line of duty.
To date, SAPSET has assisted 1 631 children; 21 have graduated, and 155 have matriculated. To date, SAPSET has raised over R17 million.
According to SAPS, operational members’ danger allowance was increased from R400 to R700 as from April 2022. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/27/2025 - 14:21
97 views
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Gauteng police rescue kidnapped nine-year-old boy
Gauteng police rescue kidnapped nine-year-old boy
Police in Gauteng, together with private security companies, on Friday rescued a nine-year-old boy who had been kidnapped for four days in Laudium, in Tshwane.
Five suspects, who are Pakistan and Afghanistan nationals aged between 24 and 37, were arrested.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The boy, whose parents are from Afghanistan, was forcefully taken from the house of the father's friend in Laudium on Tuesday.
The suspects called the parents demanding a ransom.
“A team comprising of South African Police Service and private security companies was established to rescue the boy and find the suspects. The team worked tirelessly and made a breakthrough on Friday when they found the vehicle that was used during the kidnapping and arrested two suspects,” said the police in a statement.
The suspects led the police to a house in Danville, Pretoria, where the kidnapped child was found and two more suspects were arrested.
The suspects were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and it was further discovered that they are in the country illegal.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the fifth suspect who is known to the family.
The boy was taken to a medical care centre for observation and later reunited with his family.
The suspects have been charged with kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 01/26/2025 - 13:12
112 views
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NPA Deputy Head, Adv Rodney De Kock, passes away
NPA Deputy Head, Adv Rodney De Kock, passes away
Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Rodney De Kock, has died after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in December last year.
This according to a statement released by the De Kock family on Tuesday morning.
“Advocate De Kock was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer in early December last year, resulting in a rapid decline in his health condition.
“He succumbed to the cancer at Morningside Mediclinic in Johannesburg, Gauteng, yesterday evening, 20 January 2025, surrounded by family and friends,” the statement read.
De Kock had been serving as the Deputy NDPP since his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2020 following a distinguished career in private practice and public prosecutions.
Some of his career highlights include:
- Serving as a Presiding Officer in the Electoral Court in 1994.
- Serving as Head of the Legal Aid Board Clinic at the University of Cape Town from 1994 to 1999.
- He was a founding member and served on the executive of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
- He was the first black person to be appointed as an Attorney General in the country when he took up the post of Attorney General of the Western Cape from 1999, after which he joined the National Prosecuting Authority as Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape in November 2003.
- He was also asked to act as the National Director of Public Prosecutions in 2019 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“After a luminary career, marked by an uncompromising dedication to justice, the democratic order, and to his fellow citizens, his family and friends take great solace in knowing that Rodney served his country with unblemished integrity, dedication, honesty and humility.
“He was a devoted father to his children, Ryan and Samantha, whom he loved and cherished dearly.
“The De Kock family takes much comfort from the fact that their beloved father, brother and elder, passed peacefully after a short but courageous battle. They are grateful for the time they have shared with him. The family wishes to express its appreciation for the support from government, colleagues and friends at this difficult time,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 10:39
187 views
Five-year-old repatriated from Mauritius adjusts to new life with family in SA
Five-year-old repatriated from Mauritius adjusts to new life with family in SA
Despite a challenging start to life, a young South African girl repatriated from Mauritius in December last year, is blossoming into what her grandmother describes as a “ball of fun and sunshine”.
The child, who was born in Mauritius, lived in a prison compound on the island, where her mother is awaiting trial for allegedly trafficking drugs. On turning five, the little girl had to leave her mother and the prison and start life anew in South Africa with extended family.
The little girl now lives with her grandmother in the North West province and was earlier this month preparing to start Grade R.
Speaking to the Department of Social Development, the grandmother shared that the transition has had its ups and downs but is ultimately a story of resilience, family support and healing.
A new beginning
On 10 December 2024, the little girl, clutching her favourite doll, landed at OR Tambo International Airport, marking the start of a new chapter.
Her repatriation was facilitated by the Department of Social Development, in partnership with the South African Embassy in Mauritius. Social workers recommended foster care with her maternal grandmother to ensure the child’s best interests were prioritised.
Her grandmother described the reunion as an emotional moment filled with tears of joy and hope.
Now, over a month since her return, the little girl is beginning to settle into her new life surrounded by the love and support of her family.
Her story is one of resilience, healing, and the power of family bonds to overcome even the most difficult circumstances – and of a little girl allowed to be a child.
Challenges and breakthroughs
Adjusting to life outside the prison compound in Mauritius, where she spent her early years, came with challenges. Initially shy and withdrawn, the little girl often asked about her mother and clung to her doll for comfort.
“When she first arrived, she cried a lot, asking about her mother. She clung to me and her doll constantly and was very quiet around her cousins,” the grandmother said.
A turning point came when her 17-year-old brother became a source of reassurance.
“He would hug her, tell her not to cry, and remind her that their mom would come home someday. That connection helped her feel safe,” the grandmother said.
By Christmas, the family began to see the child’s personality emerge. “She’s become a source of joy and laughter, always playing and smiling,” her grandmother said proudly.
Building a stable life
Despite the challenges, the grandmother is determined to provide her granddaughter with the stability and care she needs.
The grandmother is collaborating with the Department of Social Development to access care and protection services, including a foster care grant, to support the child’s education and well-being.
“I plan to use part of the grant for her school fees. We’re getting her ready for Grade R, and I want to make sure she has everything she needs to succeed,” the grandmother said.
The family has also introduced her to South African culture, including traditional foods and local languages. Having spoken French and Creole all her life, the child is now learning English, isiXhosa and Sesotho from her cousins.
“The other day, she asked for a slice of steamed bread during breakfast and to my surprise, she loved it and even asked for a second slice,” her grandmother said with a laugh.
“It’s moments like these that remind me she’s adjusting well. She’s getting used to everyone, and she’s loved very much.”
A message of reflection and the future
As she navigates her granddaughter’s transition, the grandmother reflected on the consequences of her daughter’s choices that led to her incarceration.
“People need to understand the implications of what they put their families through,” she said, a mixture of sadness and determination washing through her voice.
However, her focus remains on the future and building her granddaughter up.
“The past can’t be changed, but we can shape her future. With the help of social workers, the foster care grant, and the love of her family, we’re giving her the home and life she deserves. Time is a healer, and we’re taking it one day at a time,” the grandmother said.
Today, the young girl is thriving in a home filled with love and care. From watching fireworks for the first time on New Year’s Eve to playing with her cousins, she is embracing her new life in South Africa.
“She’s already thriving. Every day, she’s becoming more confident and more comfortable. She’s where she belongs now,” the grandmother said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 10:41
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