Boy, 13, reunited with family after 10 years apart
A 13-year-old boy who had been separated from his family for more than a decade has finally been reunited with the help of the SA government.
A 13-year-old boy, Joel Khumalo Magembe, has finally gone home to Tanzania after being separated from his family for over a decade. The Gauteng Department of Social Development secured a court order to repatriate and reunite Magembe with his family, marking the end of a long and challenging journey.
The Nigel Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Corridor granted the Department's request for Magembe's repatriation and reunification in May. Magembe returned to Tanzania on 18 May, accompanied by an official from the Tanzanian Embassy.
Magembe's journey began when he arrived in South Africa at just three years old. He was left in vulnerable conditions after his grandmother's passing and was eventually rescued and placed in the care of the Department's child protection services.
Social workers Dimakatso Matshomo and Simangele Ntshangase worked tirelessly to trace Magembe's family and confirm his biological connection with his father, Bryan Bitiningo Magembe, through DNA testing.
The Department's efforts were supported by the Tanzanian High Commission, which facilitated the DNA testing and covered associated costs. Magembe expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration that made his reunification possible.
"This wasn't an easy journey," said Ntshangase. "But with the support of all departments involved, we fulfilled our mission."
Magembe was excited to return to his family and looking forward to seeing his loved ones. He also expressed his appreciation for the time he spent in South Africa, where he learned to speak isiZulu and other South African languages.
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Image courtesy of Gauteng Department of Social Development / Facebook
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