​26-years old Gugulethu Mwelase is a Social Worker from Emndeni, Soweto, a product of a foster care program. She now works for the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
In an interview with Weekly Bulletin, Mwelase said her mother passed away when she was 9-years old. After her mom passed away, she stayed with her mom’s friend while the family was arranging who should take care of her. It appears that her mom’s wish was that should she die, her daughter must stay with the uncle.

Mwelase started her primary education at Emisebeni Primary school in Mofolo but forced to change a school after the passing of her mother when she moved in with her uncle at Emndeni, Soweto. She was enrolled at Ebuhleni Primary School, and she then proceeded to Lihle Higher Primary School. She matriculated at Kwadedangendlale High School, thereafter she took a gap year while deciding her next career path.

It was during this time that she met her father for the first time. They both had intentions to build a relationship, however, their plans were short-lived as the father got arrested.

“Admittedly, the foster family was the best, no ill-treatment whatsoever”, Mwelase explained.

She wonders what could have been with her mother by her side. Mwelase said that growing up in a foster home taught her to share with other children and to be a team player. Even though she had a good experience in foster care, she thinks that foster parents must be monitored as some lodge application for personal benefits and neglect the children.

Her advice for foster children is, “Foster parents, social workers and teachers can only help you to a certain level, the rest must come from you. Be determined and persevere”