FIVE-YEAR-OLD REPATRIATED FROM MAURITIUS ADJUSTS TO NEW LIFE WITH FAMILY IN SA

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By Cuma Pantshwa

  • Despite some ups and downs, the young South African child repatriated from Mauritius to South Africa in December 2024 to live in the North West with her grandmother, is blossoming into a “ball of fun and sunshine”.
  • The young child, who was born while her mother was awaiting trial in Mauritius on drug trafficking charges, has had to adjust to a new life, with a new extended family outside of prison.
  • The grandmother is working together with the Department of Social Development to receive the care and protection services, including education and a social grant, as the young girl gets ready for Grade R.

New Year’s Eve was a particularly special night for a five-year-old North West girl. Surrounded by her grandmother, aunts and cousins, the little girl got to experience the magic of fireworks dazzling the sky for the very first time.

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.

Clutching onto a much-loved doll as the aeroplane from Mauritius landed at OR Tambo International airport, the child was finally united with her South African family on 10 December 2024, repatriated safely home by members of the Department of Social Development.

It was a day her grandmother had long awaited – a moment filled with tears of joy, relief, and hope for a brighter future.

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.

Her journey from Mauritius to South Africa was facilitated by the Department of Social Development, working in collaboration with the South African Embassy in Mauritius. Called to protect and care for every child in South Africa, the Department of Social Development worked tirelessly to ensure the safe repatriation of the young girl, whose mother has been incarcerated in Mauritius since 2019.

As part of the process, department social workers evaluated the best form of alternative care for the child, ultimately recommending foster care placement with her maternal grandmother – a decision rooted in the child’s best interests.

The recommendations were based on the key considerations that every child has the right to grow up within a family where their best interests are prioritised, lives in a supportive and stable environment, and has their developmental, educational, financial, cultural and spiritual needs met.

Providing a nurturing, loving and stable environment

The little girl’s maternal grandmother was seen as the best option to be her caregiver, offering both familiarity and the promise of a nurturing home where the child’s needs could be met holistically.

However, the transition has not been without its challenges.

“When she first arrived, she cried a lot, asking about her mother,” says her gogo. “She clung to me and her doll constantly and was very quiet around her cousins.”

However, as time passes the child’s resilience is beginning to shine through stronger and brighter than before.

A turning point came when her 17-year-old brother stepped in as a source of comfort. “He was the first one she opened up to,” her grandmother shares. “He would hug her, tell her not to cry, and assure her that their mom would come home someday. That connection helped her start to feel safe.”

The 58-year-old gogo proudly talks about Christmas 2024, a period the family will never forget.

With gratitude, the grandmother shares that by Christmas the little girl’s personality had begun to emerge – from a shy and timid child they watched a “a ball of fun and sunshine” emerge, bringing joy and laughter into the home.

New Year’s Eve brought the family one of the most magical moments. “She was absolutely mesmerised,” her grandmother says of the little girl’s reaction to the fireworks display. “She stayed up late, played with her cousins and aunts, and enjoyed every second of it. It was such a special night for her, and for us.”

Adjusting to life in South Africa

Having grown up behind bars with her mother, South African food is foreign to the little girl and, like any youngster, she has some picky eating habits. Initially, she was hesitant to try traditional African foods like amasi and steamed bread.

But when she asked her grandmother for a slice of steamed bread during breakfast, the grandmother knew her granddaughter was beginning to feel at home. “To my surprise, she loved it and even asked for a second slice,” her gogo says 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.”

At the time of the interview, the little girl was preparing for an outing with her aunt and cousins. Her grandmother, busy sorting through clothes to find a swimming costume, shared her joy. “We’re a big, close family,” she says proudly.

“This year, seven of my grandchildren were with me for the holidays, and the eighth, who is older, was working. We all pulled together to make sure she feels at home.”

Despite the challenges, the grandmother is determined to provide her granddaughter with the stability and care she needs. “She’s already thriving,” she says. “Every day, she’s becoming more confident and more comfortable. She’s where she belongs now.”

And like many South African children, she loves Cocomelon on television, something she did not see in Mauritius, her gogo says, joy evident in her voice. She describes her granddaughter as a very clever child, quickly able to pick up new things.

Having grown up speaking French and Creole, the little girl now communicates in English and is also learning isiXhosa and SeSotho from her cousins. But, like any young child, when she is angry or frustrated she lapses back into Creole, her first language.

“Her future is bright,” gogo assures.

The grandmother is working with the Department of Social Development to receive the care and protection services, including education and a social grant.

“I plan to use part of the grant for her school fees,” she says. “We’re getting her ready for Grade R, and I want to make sure she has everything she needs to succeed.”

A message of reflection

As the conversation draws to a close, the grandmother reflects on the choices that led to her daughter’s incarceration. “People need to understand the implications of what they put their families through,” she says, a mixture of sadness and determination washing through her voice.

But her focus remains on the future and building her granddaughter up.

“The past can’t be changed, but we can shape her future,” she says.

“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.”

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