17-year-old Tshegofatso Mogale, who’s under foster care, shared how the support she got from the Gauteng Department of Social Development helped her after her mom passed away. She said it made a big difference in finishing high school.
Mogale, who did well in History and Life Science at Masupatsela High School in Kagiso, West Rand, explained, “When my mom passed, I felt really alone and didn’t want to talk to anyone. But Social Workers from Krugersdorp came through for me. They set up therapy sessions to help me cope with my loss.”
Because of this support, she now plans to study Industrial Psychology at the University of Witwatersrand.
“At first, I wasn’t keen on counselling, but it helped me understand why it’s important. It wasn’t easy opening up to my friends about what I was going through,” she said.
After her mom’s passing, her unemployed aunt stepped in to care for her and her little brother. With the help of Social Workers, Mogale managed to focus on her studies and cope with her loss.
“I’m excited to start university and embrace life as an independent young person. Losing a parent felt like an end, but I’ve realized it’s a new beginning. I want to make my mom proud and support my brother in his studies,” she added.
“My bags are packed, and Wits University is waiting for me. It’s a dream come true for me and my aunt.
To other foster care kids, Mogale said, “Take life seriously because the government is here to help us. Being in foster care didn’t hold me back; it opened doors, especially to government programs.”
She encouraged other young people facing challenges to take counselling seriously.