PATIENCE MPAMBANE CELEBRATES WORLD ADOPTION DAY, SHARES HER JOURNEY OF FOSTERING AND FAMILY

Precious Mupenzi

Today, South Africa joined the global community in commemorating World Adoption Day under the theme, “Child’s Right to Family: Adoption… The Best Option.” The day was established to raise awareness about adoption services, honour families who have grown through adoption, and recognise the journeys of children who have found their forever homes. Hosted in Vryburg, Naledi Municipality District in the North West Province, the Department of Social Development and the North West Department of Social Development held a Community Adoption Dialogue to address the district’s low adoption rate, which reflects a broader lack of awareness about adoption.

Despite the dedicated efforts of social workers, adoption rates remain low in the area, highlighting the community’s need for greater understanding and acceptance of adoption services. World Adoption Day, observed annually on 9 November, promotes adoption as a vital solution for children needing safe, permanent family environments. In South Africa, the Department of Social Development (DSD) recognises adoption as not only a path to family stability but also as a core element of child protection. This year’s theme emphasises raising awareness, honouring adoptive families, and encouraging communities to view adoption as a viable and fulfilling choice for children without parental care. By aiming to establish 9 November as a recognised international day, the DSD seeks to elevate adoption globally, advocating for the right of every child to belong to a family.

Patience Mpambane, a 36-year-old resident of Schweizer-Reneke, joined the community dialogue in celebration of World Adoption Day—a day close to her heart as a foster parent. Though she has not formally adopted, Patience has been raising her late sister’s children, now aged 13 and 19, placed under her care in 2017 after they were orphaned. While she has no biological children, she takes pride in providing a loving home for her nieces.

Supported by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant and the Foster Care Grant, Patience has been able to create a stable, nurturing environment for her nieces, with ongoing assistance from the Department of Social Development. Speaking warmly about her journey, she remarked, “Adoption and fostering are about building families and giving hope to children who need it most. It reduces the number of abandoned and neglected children and makes a real difference.”

Patience expressed her gratitude to the Department of Social Development for their support and the seamless services she has received as a foster parent. She also thanked her partner, who has played a pivotal father figure role, helping her provide a secure and supportive home.

Reflecting on the significance of World Adoption Day, Patience encouraged others to consider adoption and fostering as meaningful ways to build families and bring hope to children in need. “Today is a day to celebrate family,” she said, “and to remember that giving a child a home can mean everything.”