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| Children at the Zenzele Orphanage line up to get lunch. The organization is supported by workers, volunteers, and donors. Melanie Stetson Freeman - staff |
South Africa orphanage persists without its founder
The Monitor follows up on Zenzele, an orphanage now struggling to meet the needs of hundreds of children who lost their parents from AIDS.
from the August 1, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
Family members get involved
Money is tight at Zenzele. Mabaso's sister, Linda Tukula, has taken over Mabaso's position, and has told many of the staffers that there is nothing left in the orphanage's account. That means no meat, toys, or other items Mabaso bought regularly for her children.
The staffers say they understand why funds are scarce. After Mabaso died, many donors became uneasy about giving to the orphanage, unsure whether money would get to the children. Moreover, local companies and neighbors who had volunteered their time to fix up the Zenzele buildings have stopped their work. Before they continue, they want to know that the property will remain as an orphanage.
Many are waiting for assurances from Mabaso's son, Sipho, that he will not sell the place.
Sipho Mabaso has pledged to not sell his mother's house, saying that he wants the orphanage to continue. He says that he has been trying to straighten out title deeds and other documents and wants to ensure that the orphanage is properly registered.
"It's her wish that the project continues," he says. "She told me, 'The kids must have a place to stay.' "
While many in the community are still waiting for proof, children such as nine-year-old Kgomotso Sithole still find refuge at Zenzele. Kgomotso and his younger brother were orphaned and homeless when Mabaso found them last year. Now they live in the Zenzele house.
"I miss her," Kgomotso says softly as he plays with a rubber top in the soft dirt. "She was my caregiver."
He wraps the end of the top in a string, and then flicks the toy back onto the ground, grinning as it swirls upright. "But I still like it here," he says.
While Zenzele is somewhat in flux, Lisa Ashton, a reporter with the BBC, has set up a The Winnie Mabaso Foundation (www.winniemabaso.org). Ms. Ashton says she is monitoring the situation in Johannesburg carefully and is making sure that the foundation's money is used for "the benefit of the orphans."
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