Helping to trace biological parents has far-reaching, positive effects
The community can play an integral part in the future of abandoned children.
This is according to social worker Balevi Nyovane from the Boksburg office of the Department of Social Development, which is tasked with finding the biological parents of these children.
“The children are placed in temporary foster care for up to six months or longer, while we make every effort to trace the biological parents so that we can institute formal foster care processes or attempt to reunite the child with their parents.”
“This is no easy feat,” he explained.
“The circumstances of the cases we deal with are complex which is why the community is often reluctant to share information with us. Many are afraid of giving information they may have about the biological parents.
“What we would like to emphasise though, is that this information is vital to securing the child’s future be it with their own or a new family.”
The department is required by law (Children’s Act 38 of 2005) to publish, in a newspaper, the names of children for whom they are unable to trace the biological parents so that these children can be nominated for adoption.
“We cannot proceed with formal foster care processes without the parents’ consent. We must prove to the court that we have explored all avenues to trace the parents.
“If all efforts yield no results, the court will make a ruling about the child being put up for foster care or adoption.”
Nyovane said there are adequate registered foster parents in the Boksburg area, on whom the department relies to take in abandoned children. Others, he added, are placed in government ‘safe houses’.
“We don’t advocate children being raised in institutions of this nature and, again, in such cases we endeavour to find the biological parents within six months so that we can finalise the foster care or adoption of these children.
“Our plea is for the community to contact us – and they can do this anonymously – if they have any information about the biological parents. This helps us enormously and is of course necessary for the children to secure a brighter future.”
The Department of Social Development’s Boksburg branch is requesting information about the whereabouts of the biological parents of the following children:
- Mosala Thabiso Junior, born 2010-02-12.
Mosala Mathapelo, born 2006-03-06.
Mndebele Nhlanhla, born 2000-09-12.
Maseko Siphesihle Zanokuhle, born 2007-08-07.
Ayanda Nkosi, born 2002-05-30
Moremi Kolobe Avenite, born 2003-04-20.
Moremi Koena Michell, born 2006-05-11.
Mpati Sebatli Action, born 2003-5-03.
Mpati Mpho Maria, born 2008-09-23.
Mpati Phapano Matilda, born 2006-05-29.
Madi Aphilile, born 2010-12-13.
Qozingana Chris Aphelele, born 2013-10-03.
Saneliso Sibamba, born 2010-12-10.
Tshingilane Luvuyo, born 2009-05-10.
Mzolo Tebogo Junior, born 2016.
Rakoma Lesekgo, born 2008-09-29.
Rakoma Baby, born 2006-03-30.
Thite Hlompho, born 2003-10-31.
Anyone with information regarding these children should contact social worker Balevi Nyovane on 011 306 5373 during office hours (7.30am to 4pm).
