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CCJ Coordinator Lucky Mkhize Adopts Abandoned Baby

2010/10/27 12:03:06 PM

Child Found in Mpophomeni

This year Mpophomeni coordinator Lucky Mkhize (left) adopted an abandoned child. At the end of 2009 a Howick resident woke to find a baby in his yard. The child, a two week old girl, was wet and cold from the rainy night. He bought milk and called the Mpophomeni police, who took the baby to the hospital, where it was placed in an incubator. The hospital contacted Lucky, and she reported the matter to a social worker.

The social worker was absent and asked Lucky to take care of the child until the following Monday, and she agreed to take it home with her. When the social worker finally returned at the end of the following week, Lucky, who already has a grown son, had become attached to the child and decided that she wanted to adopt her. She applied to the court and filled out the paperwork, and after a financial assessment and a visit to her home by social workers, was appointed the child’s legal guardian.

Lucky applied for and now receives the foster care grant, and her mother, who lives nearby with the daughter of Lucky’s niece, takes care of the child during the day. Lucky named her Mbali, which means 'flower' in Zulu, because when she was found there were flowers around her in the yard. Mbali (right) is now a year old and is a healthy and happy baby.