Tafadzwa, a boy of 14 is from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Prior to coming to South Africa, he lived with his mother and two younger brothers. He also has older siblings that have not lived with him for quite some time. He’s also got a grandmother who recently migrated to Nelspruit, South Africa to work on the citrus farms and an aunt that lives in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Tafadzwa indicated that his relationship with every one of them is a positive one (the relationship with his aunt could not be verified). The living situation back home is stable; there is no immediate conflict or violence where he stays. His mother struggles to support her children; she is currently unemployed. Tafadzwa is relatively healthy. Tafadwza did not attend school regularly for the last three years as a result of the major disruptions in the schooling system (i.e. strikes, elections) and, at times, due to his work obligations. The social worker has estimated that Tafadzwa is roughly two to three years behind in his educational development. During the times that he was unable to attend classes (in times of disruptions), he worked on extended family members’ farms to contribute financially to his family. He earned relatively little for doing this work (in comparison to what he should have been paid). He worked approximately three to four days every week, and between 4 to 6 hours a day in such periods. He left home to come to South Africa to be able to continue his education as he wishes to go to university. He also wishes to be self-sustaining and work to support himself in South Africa (through school, if required). He currently lives in the Musina interim care centre with intermittent absences (suspected due to work on nearby farms) and does not attend any form of schooling as of yet. He wishes to stay in SA until he completes his schooling. When asked whether he would like to return to his family and home, he replied, “Someday; school is more important right now”. When asked if there was anyone that he could live with given his current situation, he indicated that he might stay with his grandmother as long as there is a school there for him. His mother wishes for him to return but worries that he might choose to migrate on his own again. Verification has shown that there are adequate educational opportunities where the grandmother lives. The grandmother has indicated that she would like to receive her grandson and is in relatively good health. The grandmother is in a good enough position to look after him adequately without him having to contribute to their household income.
https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/sites/default/files/documents/3829.pdf
