SERVANT LEADERSHIP: BEING CALLED TO SERVE

By Cuma Pantshwa

• The dedication of the many officials who have spent years preparing to repatriate a young child back to South Africa from a Mauritian prison is an exemplary case of servant leadership.
• Since 2015, the Department of Social Development and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have been repatriating children in distress from around the world, bringing them back to South Africa and to a brighter future.
• The small five-year-old who is being repatriated to South Africa from a prison in Mauritius, where her mother is currently incarcerated, proves that when people come together, united in purpose, extraordinary things happen. 

In the story of a five-year-old girl leaving the island of Mauritius to start a new life with her maternal family in South Africa, what stands out most is the profound example of servant leadership.

This story is a testament to the selflessness of individuals who dedicate their time, expertise, and care to ensure the welfare of others, especially children.

At the heart of this journey are the social workers. Tireless, compassionate, and resolute, they are the unsung heroes orchestrating the delicate balance between bureaucracy and humanity.

Dikeledi Louw, a social worker from the Department of Social Development, exemplifies this spirit. Since 2015, the staff from the department and the team from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have been repatriating children like this little girl, bringing them home to a brighter future.

The current action marks the department’s 25th successful repatriation, a milestone that underscores their commitment to serve.

As a mother, and someone deeply passionate about the well-being of children, stories like these move me beyond words. Every child deserves a secure, loving, and nurturing environment – one where they can flourish.

This particular child, born in the confines of a Mauritian prison, has known nothing but its four walls. The fact that her life is now taking a transformative turn speaks volumes about the dedication of those involved.

Hearing updates from the Department of Social Development officials currently in Mauritius fills me with hope. Their actions demonstrate a deep understanding of their mission: to place the child’s welfare above all else.

The South African High Commissioner and embassy staff echo this sentiment, working collectively with the shared goal of serving this child. This collaborative effort reminds me of the phrase Thuma Mina (send me) – a call to selfless service and responsibility.

One part of this story that resonated with me was a letter from the High Commissioner. It reflects the heart and soul of this mission:

“On Friday the 13th, you will have a special passenger on board SAA to Johannesburg. The passenger is a 5-year-old child born in Mauritius prison, and now the South African government is taking the child home to be cared for in a family environment while the mother remains in prison. All the child knows, since birth, is the prison’s four walls. As High Commission, we have been supporting the child from birth in prison, and now we are releasing her to our South African team to take her home. You might want to welcome the child on board as she will be stepping on South African soil for the first time.”

This beautiful letter encapsulates the essence of servant leadership: empathy, collaboration, and action. When people come together, united in purpose, extraordinary things happen. This story is a shining example of humanity at its best, reminding us that we are all called to serve in one way or another.

For this little girl, the journey ahead is filled with promise, thanks to the collective efforts of those who answered the call to serve. Let this be an inspiration to us all: when we lead with purpose and compassion, we can transform lives – and the world.

Cuma Pantshwa is a contributor on DSD News (IJS)