By Nangamso Mabindla
31 March 2005

SINCE opening its doors to Mdantsane's disadvantaged children seven years ago the Masizakhe Children's Home has succeeded in assisting society's outcasts lead productive and successful lives.

In 1998, after seeing the plight of these 'at risk' youngsters, 10 former political prisoners approached the Minister for Public Works, Jeff Radebe, for help in setting up and running the children's home. Radebe obliged and in November 1998 the R2,5-million home opened its doors.

Now the centre is home to 70 abused, orphaned or neglected children. It has three hostels each boasting a modern kitchen, with a complement of 13 staff making sure there is a homely atmosphere. Each of the hostels has a cook and a childcare worker to cater for the youngsters' needs.

The centre's financial manager Luyanda Lusizi says the dream would never have been realised if it had not been for the concern of the 10 former prisoners, and a group of consultants called the Black Pioneers, who designed the centre. "We're thankful to them, and the government," Lusizi adds.

The South African Breweries also donated R150 000 towards the centre.

Masizakhe Children's Home provides counselling and rehabilitation for its young residents - creating a trusting and care-filled environment. "Some of these youngsters need to be counseled - especially abuse victims. We offer these services to assist them in their healing process," Lusizi says.

A permanent social worker, Nosisa Mabutho, is on hand to assist the youngsters. "She helps them with their problems and also with legal documents for admission to the centre," adds Lusizi. Other children are taken to the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in NU3 where Masizakhe's staff members "work closely with the hospital's psychologists in assisting the youngsters deal with their problems".

Masizakhe Children's Home also works closely with other community-based organisations like churches. "We cater for their spiritual needs by having a minister coming here every Sundays. We also have gospel group made up of our youngsters."

To ensure they take their minds off their problems the centre allows them to participate in sports and the children belong to local soccer, netball and boxing clubs.

Lusizi adds: "For those not interested in sport, we take them to the local arts and culture club for dance and art lessons."

The centre, which takes children between the ages of two and 16, also provides education to the youngest residents. "We have a pre-school which prepares young children for grade school. We send the older ones to local schools for further education," Lusizi says.

The centre receives a 75 percent subsidy - R63 000 - from the provincial department of social development towards the schooling of the children. Each child receives R900 towards school fees and other necessities.

While one of the biggest concerns for the directors and staff of the Masizakhe Children's Home is what to do with the children once they have completed their schooling, for Lusizi the greatest joy comes when some of these youngsters continue living productive lives after leaving the centre.

"Some are still pursuing their studies and will one day make a name for themselves; but for me I get the greatest joy when some approach us thanking us for the work we do."

Mabutho believes that support from the government, local business and the community will go a long way in helping the children continue on their successful path. "If we can work hand-in-hand, we can make better people out of these youngsters," Mabutho says. "If we can do that we can face up to any challenge."