Toddler dies at Vosloorus orphanage
The founder suspects the child could have been killed by the cold weather.
Dzulani Child and Youth Care Centre (DCYCC) is devastated by the passing of an 18-month-old toddler.
The orphanage centre is in mourning following the death of Angelina Zesuliwe Naidoo who passed away on the morning of June 7 at the centre located at 2319 Matlala Street, Ext 1 Rockville, Vosloorus.
A social worker at DCYCC, Sibongile Mabaso, told Kathorus MAIL that Naidoo was declared dead at the orphanage around 06:19 by paramedics citing natural death.
“We tried to isolate the little children to prevent them from seeing what was happening, although those who were up early to go to school could see that something was wrong,” Mabaso.
She said Naidoo was taken to a government mortuary after the Ward 47 Clr Thandi Nkosi called the mortuary to attend to the orphanage.
“It is bad. The children are sad, we had to explain what was happening to them and conduct counselling sessions to make them understand that death is part of life,” she said.
According to the founder and director of DCYCC, Nelisiwe Nelikau, they are all saddened by the passing of one of their own.
“When I saw the child she was not moving and she was cold. I then checked her pulse but could not feel anything,” said Nelikau.
She suspected that the child could have succumbed to the cold weather.
The centre has no money to cater for the burial arrangement.
“We communicated the matter to the Department of Social Development. We are still waiting for feedback,” said Mabaso.
She said her wish is for the centre to receive funds to meet operational costs.
The Gauteng Social Development spokesperson Feziwe Ndwayana confirmed the department was made aware and sends condolences for this tragic loss.
She said DCYCC is an independently-run organisation and the board of management is responsible for the financial sustainability of the program and centre.
“Assistance can be sought from the municipality to assist with the burial,” she added.
She said although the centre does not receive funding from GDSD, they are responsible for the overall care of the children.
This also includes ensuring there are adequate blankets, warming and food at the centre.
She said that GDSD will accept the cause of death from the paramedic or forensic pathology report.
“The department is saddened by this loss of fragile life, especially following Child Protection Week. We make a call to all caregivers and institutions of child safety to prioritise the safety and well-being of children.
“Where they are unable to assist, they must seek other options such as a transfer to another safe place.”
• DCYCC was formed by Nelisiwe Nelikau in 2012 after losing her son and surviving depression.
When she recovered from depression, Nelikau vowed to stop hurting herself about what had happened to her child and instead dedicate her life to assisting children and providing a home for them.
Although the centre is her heart’s desire, she has struggled with financial challenges. Her centre has been operational for at least 10 years without funding or support from DSD.
She funds the centre from her pocket, with support from her husband.
The passing of Naidoo comes shortly after Kathorus MAIL published this orphanage’s plea for donations.
To donate to the centre contact Nelikau on 082 215 9071 or via email: dzulani05@gmail.com
