​“It makes me happy seeing foster children making inroads and taking education as their tool to academic success.” 
“I, myself, started studying when I was 37-years - old, and got employed by the Department three years later. During my years of public service, I have realised the fruits of education, and now I am pursuing my studies in BCom Law.” 

These were the words of 44-year-old Godfrey Nhlapho, a dedicated Social Worker at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Duduza Office. 

Nhlapho says he never gave up on his dream and wants to tell every foster child that it is never too late to make something positive about their lives. 

“In our caseload, we deal with vulnerable children who need care and support. Most of the time they need attention as well. So, it becomes very difficult when all those are not provided, some end up not doing well at school, others revert to criminality, and others grieve for their lost parents, which makes situations at home very intense, because of lack of guidance,” he said. 

He played a critical role as a Case Manager of 17-year-old Amina Maalo, a beneficiary of the Department’s Foster Care Programme and a top achiever at Sibonelo Esihle Secondary School in Duduza, Ekurhuleni. 

Nhlapho added, “With Amina, I saw that she came from a house with warmth. I would even see through her dress code, even when she goes to school that she is a responsible child and aspiring to make something of her life.” 

“I have channelled her in the right direction so that she makes informed decisions as she grows up,”.

He added that although they deal mostly with children who do not have parents, he is happy that the foster care programme is impactful, and he can attest it through people like Amina, who passed Grade 12 against all odds.
 
Nhlapho has further advised foster parents that taking care of vulnerable children should never be perceived as a financial gain, but rather taking up space for parents that are deceased or whose whereabouts are not known.