WORLD ADOPTION DAY PROMOTES PERMANENT, LOVING HOMES FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN

By Thandeka Stampu.

• World Adoption Day in Volksrust strengthened public understanding of adoption by clarifying the different adoption types and explaining the legal processes that protect children and their new families.
• Cultural concerns and misconceptions raised by community members were openly addressed, with experts emphasising that adoption is inclusive and considers cultural identity, while remaining firmly focused on the best interests of the child.
• Stakeholders from government and civil society collaborated to provide information, health screenings, and support services, reinforcing adoption as a vital pathway to secure, permanent, and loving homes for vulnerable children.

The Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality, hosted World Adoption Day at Volksrust Town Hall in Mpumalanga on 13 November 2025. The engagement aimed to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote a deeper understanding of adoption as a life-changing alternative for vulnerable children.

Adoption offers children stable family environments, a sense of belonging and identity, and comprehensive legal protection to support their development. During the dialogue session, officials and subject matter experts outlined the various forms of adoption to help community members gain a clearer understanding of the concept. These include National Adoption, Disclosed (Open) Adoption, Non-Disclosed (Closed) Adoption, and Adoption of Children with Special Needs.

National Adoption

It is the most common form of adoption for South African citizens. This process is managed by accredited organisations, such as the Christian Social Council (CMR). These organisations oversee the legal and social aspects of adoption, ensuring that all procedures are followed in accordance with national regulations.

Disclosed (Open) Adoption

A type of adoption in which both the biological and adoptive parents are aware of each other’s identities. In some cases, the parties may agree upon a specific method of communication, allowing for ongoing contact or information sharing as determined by the families involved.

Non-Disclosed (Closed) Adoption

The identities of the biological and adoptive parents are kept confidential. Unlike open adoption, there is no exchange of identifying information between the parties, and contact is not maintained.

Adoption of Children with Special Needs

This form of adoption focuses on ensuring that children with special needs receive the care and support they require. Accredited organisations and stakeholders work to match these children with adoptive families who can provide the necessary resources, attention, and nurturing environment to support their development.
Panel members also outlined the different stages of the adoption process, such as obtaining a court order confirming the adoptive parents and issuing the child a new ID number linked to the adoptive parents. The old ID number registered by the biological parents is subsequently blocked to complete the legal transition.

Providing more information about adoption various stakeholders took part in this commemoration these included the Department of Health (providing primary health screening and referrals), Christian Social Council (CMR), an NPO working closely with Mpumalanga DSD on adoption, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), Superior Attitude Value Friendly (SAVF) providing statutory social work services and other stakeholders.

During the discussions, community members raised questions around cultural beliefs, eligibility criteria, and common misconceptions surrounding adoption. Several participants also shared their personal adoption experiences, encouraging prospective adoptive parents. Responding to concerns, panel members emphasised that cultural considerations are respected throughout the adoption process and clarified that eligibility extends to individuals over 18 years of age, including married couples, life partners, single individuals, biological fathers of children born out of wedlock, and foster parents.

Adoption was reaffirmed as a powerful way to secure a permanent, loving home for children, ensuring they grow up feeling safe, supported, and cherished.