Greetings, everybody. My name is Boniswa. I'm 31 years old, originally from Port Shepstone, but currently I am based in Mtubatuba where I work as a qualified social worker in one of the child and care centers here.

I was removed from the care of my aunt and placed in District 49. When a child is removed from their home it's always for a reason. At the time, I was in grade 10. I completed my matric while living at District 49 and attending high school in Mahlongwa.

"I didn't have to worry about anything. I could just be a child, play, enjoy time with peers, which was something I wasn't exposed to at home. When I arrived at District 49, I was truly happy to be there."

Being in District 49 taught me a lot. I learned independence and resilience. If something didn't go my way or I didn't get what I wanted, I didn't fuss. I learned to work hard. I realized that you have to work for everything you want in life.

The care we received was incredible. Food was provided, transportation to and from school was arranged, and we never had to worry about basic needs. It was an experience that allowed me to enjoy my teenage years fully.

Good day everyone. I am 31 years old and currently living in Esikhawini township. I was born there but raised in Mtwalume, at my grandmother's house.

Due to personal problems, I was placed at District 49 Children's Home. I was still very young, in grade six, when I was taken there. I remember being scared and not knowing what to expect.

"But when I arrived, it truly felt like a home. There were about 46 children, along with house parents and staff. I adjusted quickly, made friends, and felt safe. It was a beautiful place."

We were cared for and never went without. I continued my schooling there, finishing grade seven and moving into high school. Even though I was away from my family, I never felt unloved, our house parents nurtured us, supported us, and guided us through childhood.

When I was in grade 11, my social worker helped me reconnect with my real family, and I was reunited with my mother's side. Life after that has been a journey. I finished matric, and today I work as a receiving clerk at Shoprite. I'm standing on my own, pushing through life.

District 49 raised me with unconditional love and care, and for that, I will always be thankful.

I came to District 49 Child and Youth Care Centre twelve (12) years ago after losing my parents. When my grandmother, who had been caring for me, also passed away, I had nowhere else to go with my younger siblings. At that time, my future felt uncertain, and I did not know what life would hold for me.

District 49 became more than just a place to stay, it became my home. For the first time, I experienced things that many children take for granted. I had my first birthday party celebrated here. I was cared for, supported, encouraged, and loved. The staff became mother figures and mentors who guided me through life's challenges, while the other children became sisters and lifelong friends.

"District 49 became more than just a place to stay, it became my home."

Today, I am in Matric, and when I look back on the past twelve years, I feel grateful. I often wonder where I would be if I had not come to District 49. I do not think I would have remained in school, and I may have made poor choices because of my circumstances. Instead, I have been given an opportunity to grow into the young woman I am today.

The home has provided for my needs, supported my education, and equipped me with valuable life skills. Through guidance, counselling, and preparation for independent living, I have learned to face the future with confidence. I am not afraid of what lies ahead because I know I have been equipped to succeed. District 49 has shaped my character, strengthened my faith in myself, and shown me what family truly means. It gave me stability when I had lost everything, and for that I will always be grateful.

Before coming to District 49 Child and Youth Care Centre, my life was very different. I experienced abuse and neglect, and I was deprived of my right to education. At the age of 15 years, I had never had formal schooling. My childhood was filled with challenges that no child should have to face.

I have asked the Social Worker to assist me in writing this testimony. Although these are my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, I am still learning and catching up academically because I did not have the opportunity to attend school during my early childhood. The Social Worker helped me put my feelings into words so that I could share my story and express what this home has meant to me. When I arrived at District 49, I had never attended school before. The Social Worker worked closely with the school and other stakeholders to advocate for my right to education. Because of my age and the fact that I had no educational background, special arrangements had to be made for my placement. I was enrolled in Grade 4, with the understanding that my progress would be closely monitored.

District 49 believed in me from the very beginning. The Child care workers and volunteers provided extra support and tutoring to help me catch up. Through their encouragement, patience, and commitment, I began to discover my strengths, particularly in Mathematics. As I gained confidence and worked hard, my academic progress exceeded expectations. In 2026, I was promoted to grade 6, and there is a possibility that I may progress to grade 7 by the end of the year. For the first time in my life, attending high school is becoming a real possibility. What once seemed impossible now feels achievable.

When I was removed and placed at District 49 CYCC, I was welcomed with love, kindness and understanding. For the first time, I was given the opportunity to simply be a child. The Social Workers and Child care workers did not judge me for my past, and helped me understand that my circumstances did not define who I am or who I can become. District 49 enrolled me in school, and for the first time in my life I entered a classroom. It was a new, scary and exciting experience, and I continue to learn and grow every day. I also receive ongoing counselling and emotional support that helped me begin healing from the trauma I had experienced.

The home has given me experiences I had never known before. I celebrated my first birthday party, made friends, and found people who genuinely care about me. Here, I have been given the space to discover who I am, to make mistakes, to learn from them, and to dream about my future.

"District 49 has given me a second chance at life. It has taught me that I am worthy, capable, and deserving of a bright future."

I am turning 16 years this year, and I am no longer afraid of what tomorrow may bring. District 49 has given me a second chance at life. It has taught me that I am worthy, capable, and deserving of a bright future. The love, support, and opportunities I have received here have helped me rise above my past and believe in the possibilities ahead. This home has not only changed my circumstances, it has changed my life.