Zolisile takes the reigns at Strathyre Girls Home

The Strathyre Girls Home in Kensington has a new head.

Captain Zolisile Nxumalo assumed her position as an administrator at the home on January 3.

The Strathyre Girls Home in Kensington is part of the Salvation Army.

The home houses girls from dysfunctional families. It takes in girls aged from three to 18.

Cpt Nxumalo said girls are referred to the home by the Social Development Department.

“Some of these children come from dysfunctional homes. Their parents cannot take care of them. Some of them were abused in different ways. The court takes them from their families and the department places them at homes like ours,” she said.

Cpt Nxumalo said the department’s officials and the home’s social workers screen the children before they are placed at the home.

She said the home has to find a school for the girls and make sure they are well fed and ready for school.

“We want them to overcome their past. We want them to be able to say to someone one day, ‘I have gone through this, you can do it too’. We have programmes and sessions to meet their emotional, spiritual and psychological needs,” said Cpt Nxumalo.

The home caters for 50 girls.

Before taking over the reigns are the Strathyre Girls Home, Cpt Nxumalo headed The Salvation Army Corps (churches) in Vlakfontein and Thohoyandou.

The eldest of seven sisters and one brother, Cpt Nxumalo was born in Swaziland 37 years ago.

She said she has learnt a lot in the different positions she has held in the organisation.

“I have learnt to be patient with people, to be a good listener and that self-respect goes a long way. If you respect yourself, people turn to listen to you. Also loving people, irrespective of who they are, is important,” she said.

Cpt Nxumalo said she expects different challenges in her new role.

“I have headed corps (churches) before but not with such huge responsibilities. I have a lot of people who look up to me. I have to make decisions that will affect many people. But I have a great team,” she said.

Cpt Nxumalo said the home will appreciate help from volunteers.

“Our girls need help with their homework, especially with maths and physical science. They also need help with other subjects,” she said.

She said anyone who wants to volunteer their time or services to the home can call 011 615-7327 to make arrangements.

Cpt Nxumalo urged parents to take care of their children.

“Love your children. Spend time with them, ask them how are they. How is school? Give them attention. They need it,” she said.

She said some of the young people do crime just to get attention and often children accept their home environment as the way of life.

“When a girl is shouted at or beaten when she does something wrong at home, she will grow up believing that to put her point across she has to fight or shout,” she said.

Cpt Nxumalo urged children to have somebody they trust in their inner circle in times of need.

“It is good to have someone to talk to when you feel hurt, violated, neglected or even overjoyed. Talking heals,” she said.