NW GRANNY OVERJOYED BY RETURN OF 5-YEAR-OLD FROM MAURITIUS

By Cuma Pantshwa

• A North West grandmother is receiving a special Christmas gift. Her young granddaughter is to be repatriated from a Mauritian prison ahead of the holidays.
• The five-year-old was born and raised in a prison, where her mother has been incarcerated and awaiting trial since 2019 on allegations of drug trafficking.
• While the little girl’s extended family are aware of the challenges involved in her return to South Africa, they are adamant that their family will provide her with “warmth and a promise of a better future”.

The five-year-old returning to South Africa from a Mauritius prison is the Christmas present her grandmother has been waiting for.

In a telephone call with DSD News, the grandmother sounded overwhelmed yet happy knowing that her granddaughter will land on South African soil this Friday. “I’ve always been ready for my granddaughter’s return,” she shared, her voice brimming with emotion. 

The little girl was born and raised in a Mauritian prison, where her mother has been incarcerated and awaiting trial since 2019 on allegations of drug trafficking.

“No child deserves to live behind bars – especially an innocent one. She belongs with her family, surrounded by love and care. That’s what we’ve been waiting for, and now it’s finally happening,” Granny said.

The grandmother who lives in the North West with her other grandchildren, emphasised how perfect the timing of her return is. 

“It’s the holidays – a season of family and festivities. Everyone is excited, especially her cousins, who can’t wait to meet her!” she said. 

Reflecting on her eldest daughter, who is now in prison, the granny spoke with a mixture of pride and pain. 

“She was always a hard worker. I don’t know when or how she got mixed up with the wrong crowd,” she said.

“Since her arrest, I’ve had to leave my job in Limpopo to take care of her two older children. I’ve had to step in as both grandmother and mother, and now this one will make it three kids under my care. It won’t be easy, but we are a strong family. Her other siblings are also ready to help.”

The perfect holiday gift

Despite the challenges, the grandmother radiates determination and hope. “We’ve been preparing for this for so long – it feels like the perfect holiday gift,” she said.

While the family were preparing for the safe return of the five-year-old, the grandmother was allowed a video call with her granddaughter. “I think she will remember me from our video calls.”

She added: “I’ve been so grateful for technology; it kept us connected.”

When asked about the language barrier, as the five-year-old was born in Mauritius and speaks French, Creole and very little English, the grandmother explained that they had spoken mainly English with the child and hopes her mother had spoken to her in their mother tongue.

“Children adjust quickly. I am sure she will adjust quickly once she’s here.”

Her voice trembled with emotion as she recalled bittersweet moments of being surrounded by her grandchildren while thinking about the young one in Mauritius. “I’ve always told them about their cousin and how I can’t wait to have her with us. She doesn’t deserve to grow up in prison. She’s coming home to love, family, and support. She’s been through enough already, and I want her to know she belongs here.”

Officials from the Department of Social Development and the South African Embassy in Mauritius this week are finalising plans for the safe return of the little girl. 

On Friday, 13 December 2024, the young girl will set foot on South African soil for the first time, where she will meet her grandmother to begin a new chapter surrounded by love and family.

The department will work closely with the family to ensure a smooth transition and integration, addressing her psychological needs, her separation from her mother, and the adjustments to her new environment. 

Strong family bonds

The grandmother acknowledges the complexities that Friday will bring to her family. “I anticipate that Friday will be feel overwhelming for both of them, especially my granddaughter. New faces, unfamiliar surroundings, a new language. But there’s warmth and a promise of a better future waiting for her here,” she said.

The grandmother is also looking forward to introducing her granddaughter to her heritage one day. “When the time is right, we’ll travel so she can learn about her roots,” she shared.

As the conversation drew to a close, Granny reflected on the strength of family bonds. “The children must forgive their mother’s mistakes and hold on to the love and support of their family. Her journey won’t be easy, but she’s not alone. With the help of social workers and our community, we will give her the home and life she deserves.”

The 58-year-old also expressed her gratitude to the Department of Social Development for their efforts. 

“They’ve made this possible, and I’ll make sure she stays connected to her mother. Despite everything, they still need each other.”

With hope in her heart, the grandmother is ready to embrace her child and give her the promise of a brighter future.

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