Foster mother with big heart also runs programmes to help community

After the heartbreak of losing her youngest daughter in 2016, Mandisa Ratya was moved to open up her home to children in need of a parent’s love and care.

The East London resident, who has provided a safe and loving home to seven foster children for the past six years, said every child deserved a mother’s love.

“I established an organisation, Ubuhlebethu, with the hopes of creating a safe space for children in foster care and to build a home for children that are in transit or awaiting foster care placements or adoption processes,” Ratya said.

“It was my passion and because I knew no child must suffer of feel the pain of not having a home nor the love of a mother.”

Ubuhlebethu also now runs HIV, TB and gender-based violence awareness campaigns, as well as social, human rights and food security programmes.

“During my grieving period, I saw it fitting that I talk to young girls, advising them to avoid sexual activities at a young age, and to always protect themselves,” she said.

Ratya said she also encouraged other families to open their homes and take in children who were in need.

“I feel that am giving back to my community, I get fulfilment from seeing children happy and safe at home,” she said.

Nominator Mbalentle Xongo, said Ratya had also provided employment to other people through her organisation.

Xongo said: “My mom was unemployed for more than five years, but because of Ratya, today she has a place to wake up and go to at Ubuhlebethu organisation.”

The 17-year-old praised Ratya for having opened up her home and heart to children in need of a safe place to live.

“When I talk to her she always mentions that she would love to have a safe home for all the children who do not have shelter,” Xongo said.

She added that Ratya also ran a soup kitchen in Southernwood.

“She has beneficiaries that are not staying with her but they are still part of her programmes.

“As young as I am, I have learnt so much from this mother. She has given me hope, every other day after school I go to the organisation to volunteer.”

Another nominator, Buhle Nikelo, said Ratya had helped families who were badly affected by the floods in January, by organising local NGOs to join in assisting them.

Nikelo said: “She advocates human rights and other programmes she’s running advocate HIV/Aids prevention, and among sex workers.

“In the past three years, her organisation was contacted to rollout an EPWP programme in the province and other provinces. That created a lot of job opportunities.”

Nikelo said Ratya created opportunities for people to volunteer at the Department of Health to trace people who were defaulting on their tuberculosis treatment.

She said: “She has done a lot for the community and is still changing people’s lives. I truly appreciate  her, and she deserves to be recognised.”

DispatchLIVE