FROM FOSTER CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING: ELISA MAGAMA’S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE

By Phetoho Maja

• ⁠Elisa Magama, a 23-year-old from Duduza, has progressed from the foster care system to becoming an associate Chartered Accountant at a leading auditing firm.
• Supported by the Gauteng Department of Social Development under the Children’s Act, her journey reflects the impact of integrated child protection and support services. 
• ⁠Her story highlights resilience, mentorship and the transformative power of foster care interventions.

A 23-year-old former foster child from Duduza in Gauteng’s Eastern Corridor is celebrating a remarkable milestone after becoming an associate Chartered Accountant and securing a position with one of South Africa’s top auditing firms.
Elisa Magama was placed in the foster care system at a young age following the death of her parents. She was cared for by her elder sister, who became her foster parent. With support from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), Magama navigated her educational journey from high school to university and into professional training.
The department has tracked her progress over the years, from achieving three distinctions in matric to graduating with a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg in 2023. She completed her postgraduate studies in 2024 and is currently serving her articles as part of the multi-year process required to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
Her journey was supported through services rendered under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which provides for the protection and development of vulnerable children.
“I was referred to Social Workers at GDSD Duduza Office by the Emmaus Community Centre, which is a drop-in centre that provides daily meals, recreational, educational and counselling services to vulnerable families,” Magama said.
She expressed gratitude to her social worker, Dikeledi Nchabeleng, who provided emotional support and guidance throughout her upbringing.
“I want to thank my Social Worker, Dikeledi Nchabeleng, who played a key role in my life. She was there to support me emotionally and I am achieving in life today because of her efforts and undying commitment to her work,” she said.
Magama also offered words of encouragement to children currently in foster care, urging them to remain focused on their dreams despite challenges.
Field and Intake Social Worker Dikeledi Nchabeleng described Magama as a dedicated and disciplined learner.
“Elisa Magama was a child who is noticeably quiet. We never had any challenges with her. She was always dedicated when it comes to her studies and would attend our life skills programmes whenever invited,” she said.
Social Work Supervisor Lesego Mathebula said Magama’s success reflects the department’s vision for foster care services.
“We are grateful to celebrate Elisa, our former foster care beneficiary who is now self-reliant. This shows that indeed as a Department we have achieved the vision, goals and objectives of foster care,” Mathebula said.
He added that the integration of services played a critical role in her development.
“We have seen how the integration of services has actually led to the success of Magama’s story. As Social Development from the Field and Intake we specialise in child protection services, services to families, as well as HIV and AIDS programmes,” he said.
Magama’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, support and the power of sustained intervention. From foster care to independent professional life, her story reflects the transformative potential of coordinated social development services and the strength of young people who refuse to give up on their dreams.