GAUTENG MEC HONOURS TOP-PERFORMING FOSTER CARE BENEFICIARIES FOR MATRIC RESULTS

By Sipho Ncube

• Young matriculants in foster care and Gauteng child and youth care centres have been honoured for their outstanding matric results in the 2024 National Senior Certificate exams.
• At an event honouring 120 learners, the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, commended their determination.
• The MEC also extended her gratitude to the foster parents for their unwavering commitment in guiding and supporting the children under their care.

The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, has acknowledged the outstanding matric results of 120 youngsters in foster care and provincial child and youth care centres.

These young achievers demonstrated remarkable resilience despite challenging circumstances, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Having been in Grade 8 at the height of the pandemic, many faced significant learning disruptions, relying on virtual and online education with limited resources.

Speaking at the event on 12 February 2025, Mazibuko commended the learners for their determination and encouraged them to remain focused as they transition to higher education.

“We are here today to celebrate your achievements. When you get to institutions of higher learning, don’t change your attitude. Continue to be obedient to your foster parents and keep in touch because they are still your parents,” she said.

She urged the students to seek support when adjusting to new environments.

“Don’t be despondent when you find yourself alone in a new space. Our department has skills development programmes that can also assist you,” she added.

The MEC also extended her gratitude to the foster parents for their unwavering commitment in guiding and supporting the children under their care, despite the challenges they face.

As part of the recognition, the department presented the learners with essential gadgets, including smartwatches, to support their post-matric education and studies.

One of the learners, 18-year-old Mpanga Mumba, who originally came from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), shared his inspiring journey.

“We came to South Africa with my parents, who later separated. My sister and I were left alone until our pastor took me to Kids Haven, a child and youth care centre, while my sister was placed with foster parents,” he recalled.

Despite these hardships, Mumba excelled in his studies, earning two distinctions.

“Today, I am grateful because I believe these results will help me build a better future,” he said.

“I am also thankful to Kids Haven and the Department of Social Development for taking care of me and my sister. Thank you, a million times.”

Mumba is currently in the process of obtaining his passport from the DRC so that he can pursue further studies.

The Department of Social Development provides alternative care services to children in need of protection, as outlined in the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005. The state plays a critical role in safeguarding children by ensuring a robust child protection system and encouraging collective responsibility from all sectors of society.

The foster care programme forms a key part of this system, offering children a safe and nurturing environment when they cannot remain in their parental homes.

While the programme focuses on providing stability and opportunities for children, it also aims to facilitate reunification with their biological families where possible.

Through initiatives like this, the department continues to empower and support young people in alternative care, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to build successful futures.