DSD REUNITES CHILD WITH HER BIOLOGICAL MOTHER

Cuma Pantshwa

• The Department of Social Development commemorates World Adoption Day by highlighting transformative adoption stories, including a recent reunion between a South African mother and her daughter after 22 years apart.
• Through committed efforts by social workers, DSD, and families, South Africa’s adoption system provides vulnerable children with the chance for stable, loving homes and upholds their right to family, echoing this year’s theme: “A Child’s Right to Family. Adoption: The Best Option.”
• Thandi’s journey, from being adopted by a family in the Netherlands to reconnecting with her birth mother, showcases the emotional and life-changing power of adoption and reunification, bridging families across borders.

As the world observes World Adoption Day on 9 November, the Department of Social Development (DSD) honours those whose lives have been transformed by adoption and celebrates families who have grown through it. To mark this special day, DSD shares the touching adoption success story of Thandi* (not her real name), who recently reunited with her biological mother after 22 years.

Thandi was born in 2002 at Given Mkhari Hospital in Pretoria. Her mother, who already had four children, made the difficult decision to give her up for adoption. For the past 22 years, Thandi has been raised by her loving adoptive family in the Netherlands. Her journey resonates with this year’s World Adoption Day theme: “A Child’s Right to Family. Adoption: The Best Option.”

Despite the challenges faced by vulnerable children, the South African adoption system remains a beacon of hope for many who might otherwise face uncertain futures. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Department of Social Development, alongside social workers, agencies, and adoptive families, countless children are given the opportunity to grow up in safe and loving homes. Promoting adoption services remains a key priority for DSD, ensuring the protection of orphans and vulnerable children and upholding their right to a family.

Thandi’s biological mother, Ms Dineo Monaheng, who was facing significant challenges at the time, made the life-altering decision to place her only daughter for adoption, hoping for a better life for her. In a recent DSDTV interview, Ms Monaheng, holding back tears, said, “Adoption gave my daughter a better life. I’m grateful for that. I will forever be thankful to her adoptive parents for their selfless act of love.”

While adoption provides stability and a sense of belonging, many adopted children, like Thandi, feel a deep longing to connect with their roots. Dr Tebogo Mabe, Director of Adoptions and International Social Services (ISS), explained the importance of reunification support: “It is our mandate to assist in tracing and locating biological family members, and before sharing any details, we provide pre-counselling services to prepare them for the outcome, whether positive or negative.”

Ndivhuwo Randela, the DSD social worker who has been dedicated to Thandi’s case, described the lengthy process leading up to the reunion. “Thandi’s journey began when she reached out to ISS in the Netherlands. They then contacted us, requesting assistance in tracing her South African mother. They provided a report detailing Thandi’s history and her desire to connect with her birth family. Thus, the search began.” Ms Randela explained that the tracing process often involves collaboration with various child protection organisations to verify information and locate family members.

Ms Randela’s dedication was instrumental in reconnecting Thandi with her biological mother. After finding and meeting with Ms Monaheng, she facilitated an exchange of letters between Thandi’s adoptive parents and her biological mother, and finally, between Thandi and her mother.

In one of her letters, Thandi reassured her mother that she was doing well and expressed her gratitude for her adoptive family. She wrote: “I am happy and grateful to be here. I have a big family and a group of friends around me. I am doing very well.” Thandi also shared stories about her hobbies and a special trip to South Africa, where she visited Pretoria, her birthplace. “That was a beautiful experience. I am curious about you. How is your life in South Africa? I hope all is well with you.” Her letter expressed a deep longing to connect with her biological mother, and she concluded, “I find it beautiful and special to write this letter.”

Last month, the Department of Social Development and ISS Netherlands hosted a virtual meeting between Thandi, her adoptive parents, and Ms Monaheng. During this emotional occasion, Ms Monaheng, joined by two of Thandi’s brothers, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Thandi’s adoptive family for their unwavering love and support over the years. She assured Thandi that they would always be one big family.

With a radiant smile, Thandi savoured every moment of the virtual conversation, her eyes shining with delight as she absorbed the stories, laughter, and love from her family across continents. Now, with the reunion complete, the family can communicate freely without intermediaries.

This story stands as a powerful reminder of adoption’s life-changing impact. “Today, we also celebrate the unsung heroes who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need. Through adoption, families are formed and lives are forever changed,” remarked Dr Mabe.

World Adoption Day Commemoration

The Department of Social Development hosted an event with the Provincial Department of Social Development in North West Province, in Vryburg. The Dr Ruth Segopotsi Mompati district, identified as an area with low adoption rates, will focus on increasing education and awareness about adoption.