The Betty’s Haven orphanage in Nelsville outside Nelspruit is on the brink of closure as it doesn’t have sufficient funds to continue.

The home, a brainchild of Betty Mandlazi, for orphans and vulnerable children has operated for the past 18 years. Madlazi quit her job to care for the children.

She says, “There is a shortage of food. People give me food sometimes, not always. People from America come twice a year to give some money.”

According to Mandlazi, the provincial government is aware of the orphanage’s existence, but it never registered with the Social Development Department.

Mpumalanga Social Development Department spokesperson Ronnie Masilela says, “The reason why we are not funding them now is the fact that they want to remain private and they don’t comply at this stage with the set norms and standards for centres. We have been engaging management for years now, but they want to remain private.”

25-year-old Sharon Macamo, who went to the home at the age of six, says that it was the gift of a new life.

“There was no family whatsoever, and back in the days you couldn’t even run to your neighbour. It was just an informal settlement and everybody is concentrating on their own staff, so we did not get any assistance,” adds Macamo.

The future of the children is dependent on the existence of the home.
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