Greater Benoni Child Welfare receptionist for 23 years, fosters a child
“All these children need is love and to be treated as if they were your own.”
Elsie Mpinga, a receptionist at The Greater Benoni Child Welfare for 23 years, has shown that her love for children does not only apply to her own, but extends to others as well, after she recently became a foster parent to a three-year-old.
The Daveyton resident and mother of two other children, aged 25 and 13, said: “God gave me this child to foster.”
They first met when the Collin House in Benoni closed for the December holidays. She took the child in for the eight-day break and when she had to bring her back Elsie “couldn’t let go”.
She decided to apply to be the child’s foster parent and that was granted.
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She expressed how happy her children are to have a new addition to the family and how the child has adapted well to the change of environment.
“I have worked here for 23 years and I have seen a lot of children come in, but this child stole my heart.
“I knew that I wanted to look after her,” she said
When asked what advice she would give to people wanting to become a foster parent, she said: “To be a foster parent comes with challenges and people should be ready to deal with all that comes with it.
December holidays, director of The Greater Benoni Child Welfare, explained: “Foster care is a temporary arrangement in which adults provide for the care of a child or children, whose biological parents are unable to care for them.
“This alternative care is valid for a maximum of two years, which can be extended or shortened until the child can be moved back to their biological family.”
Residents who are willing to look after a child in need can apply at the Department of Social Development or visit the following organisations:
• Benoni Child Welfare: Morehill, Northmead, Airfield, Daveyton Central, Cloverdene, Skotipola, Swazi, Shangaan, Basutong and Chief Lethuli – 011 849 5241
• Actonville Child Welfare: Actonville, Kingsway, Wattville, Lindelani, Thambo village, Apex, McKenzie Park and Emanhleni – 011 421 4878
• DSD: All the other areas which include Benoni Central, Pomona, Farrarmere, Rynfield, Brentwood Park, Crystal Park, Benoni Smallholdings, New Modder, Etwatwa, Barcelona, Mayfield, Minanawe, Chris Hani, Gabon, Zenzele, N12 squatter camp, Rynsoord and Emaphupeni – 011 748 7600.
To qualify as a foster parent you must be:
• 18 years or older
• fit and proper
• willing and able to look after the child
• able to provide a favourable environment for the child’s growth and development.
You can only foster a child for the period indicated in the court order.
Once the indicated period of the court order has lapsed, the presiding officer may, after reviewing the recommendation from the social worker, extend the period of the court order.
For more information about the process and how long it takes, visit https://www.gov.za/services/adopt-child/foster-care
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