Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, Chronicle Reporter
THREE Nyamandlovu children in Matabeleland North Province who suffered neglect and were living by themselves are now living at a children’s home after being taken in by the Social Welfare Department.
The three, a boy and two girls are aged 10, 8 and 2 years old.
They were spending the day by themselves as the maid who was hired to look after them was working somewhere and only coming home at night.
The 10-year-old boy had assumed to the role of head of the family which saw him providing food and cooking for his siblings after begging from neighbours.
Their mother, who has since returned home, had gone to South Africa to look for employment.
She returned last week on Thursday and went to the homestead in Nyamandlovu on Friday, the day the children were taken by the Social Welfare department.
“My children were taken to Khayelihle Children’s Home in Umguza District on Friday.
I had gone home to collect them so that I could be with them in Bulawayo but when I went there the Social Welfare officials arrived and after some assessment they took them, which was heartbreaking for me. We are in touch on the processes I need to fulfil before they are released back to my care,” she said.
The 28-year-old woman said she has been getting support from Tilda Foundation and many other well-wishers who were touched by the children’s plight.
The woman said she is seeking assistance from the Social Welfare Department to get them birth certificates as well as getting the younger ones medically examined.
“It is not that I had abandoned my children because I left them under the care of my young sister and a maid.
I initially went to South Africa in September last year but came back in April this year to attend to the youngest who was not feeling well. I was not getting support from their fathers, which forced me to return to South Africa to look for a job.
“Unfortunately, when I got there I was sick for some time and I could not do much. I had recently started on a piece job and at beginning of July I sent something for their care.
“My young sister, who was staying with the children and the maid, came to Bulawayo about three weeks ago which resulted in the kids remaining with the maid. Initially, I was not aware of the situation but when I was made aware of it I had to return but had challenges raising money to come home.
“I appreciate the assistance I have received as there are many people who want to assist me to get something to do so that I can take care of my children. I love them a lot and what happened has also affected me,” she said.
Social Welfare Department officials requested an application letter for an interview and questions in writing from Chronicle.
Despite that being done, no response had been received by late yesterday. -@themkhust
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