MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko Conducts Oversight Visit at Salvation Army Ethembeni Children’s Home

As part of Child Protection Month activities, on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, the Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, conducted an oversight visit to the Salvation Army Ethembeni Children’s Home. This visit formed part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the well-being, protection, and development of children in need of care and support.

The purpose of the visit was to assess compliance and the quality of services provided at the facility, evaluate the impact of funding on beneficiaries, and engage with management and caregivers to better understand the challenges they may be facing. The Salvation Army Ethembeni Children’s Home is an NPO funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The centre accommodates vulnerable children who are either neglected or face challenges at home. It has a bed capacity of 60 and is currently home to 60 children, cared for by 24 Child and Youth Care Workers.

Noluntu Semeno, a Social Programme Secretary at the Salvation Army, shared that the centre runs a “Granny Programme”, a volunteer initiative involving 30 women who act as grandparents to the children. These volunteers attend to the children on a daily basis, providing care and support in the same way a grandmother would nurture her grandchild.

During the visit, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko interacted directly with the children and commended the staff of the Ethembeni Children’s Home for their dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment. She emphasised the critical role that Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) play in safeguarding the rights and dignity of children, particularly those who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abandonment.

The MEC also highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and support to ensure compliance with the norms and standards as prescribed in the Children’s Act. She further reiterated the importance of vetting individuals working with children. “As we approach Child Protection Week, we remain committed to building a safe society where the rights of children are protected throughout the year and their futures secured,” added MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.