SIBONISO known as Wiseman, endured some obstacles in his early life, but through the wonderful opportunities presented through iThemba, he has developed strong leadership skills. He has excellent interpersonal skills and is confident in social situations. Wiseman is eager to explore the knowledge of the world and is not fearful to ask questions when he does not understand something. He is known for taking the lead in a singing group and sharing his lovely voice. He is enrolled at Hillcrest High School (this year he entered Grade 9) where he enjoys a variety of sports but particularly enjoys playing cricket, rugby, basketball and soccer. His favourite school subjects are Maths and English. In his spare time he enjoys listening to music and visiting friends. He loves the colour green, earning pocket money and his favourite food is his “mom’s chicken and rice”. He enjoys the wide open space at the iThemba campus and that his family and siblings are always there for him.

MABLI’S passions and opportunities have blossomed since arrival at iThemba. Her brothers describe her as loving to laugh and always having a smile on her face. At the dinner table she is often giggling and passing her contagious joy for life onto others. Within the nurturing environment of Jacob House, Mabli has grown from strength to strength. Her school reports from 2010 from Hillcrest Christian Academy present Mbali as committed and motivated in her studies and her desire to make a positive contribution to class. This year she has entered Grade 8 at Hillcrest Primary School. She finds pleasure in swimming and playing hockey and netball. She has continued to impress her parents with her joy for life and determination to succeed despite the challenges of her past. She loves to read and enjoys all kinds of food. She says she has wonderful parents and her family makes her laugh.

NOMFUNDO, uses her middle name Perseverance. Under the care of her dedicated parents she is committed to succeed in her life. Her determination is reflected by her strong work ethic and she doesn’t want to miss a day of school even when she is ill! This year she enrolled at Hillcrest Primary School and entered Grade 6. Besides the enjoyment she finds in her schooling, she also has an interest in sports and music. She enjoys splashing in a swimming pool and playing netball with friends. She has begun to realise her value in her family and the stability that her home offers. She enjoys eating pizza and loves the colour red. She has gained an appreciation for gospel music and expanded her education through writing lyrics and listening to music in the solitary time she is able to find in her home. She hopes to expand her musical abilities by learning to play the piano. Perseverance is happy that iThemba helps children from the nearby valley community.

MUSA, strongly believes that iThemba is not an orphanage but it is a place where children can experience a real family life. According to Musa his life has changed in a positive way since his arrival at iThemba. He says he gets along with everyone and likes being around people. He is now very happy. He says he “has been blessed with great parents and a family who care for one another all the time.”  Besides the enjoyment he finds from hockey, expanding his imagination and creative mind, Musa exhibits strong interpersonal skills. At Hillcrest High school he is well liked by his educators and peers. His congeniality and fine manners have been recognized at school where he was given the ‘courtesy’ award in 2010. This year he has entered Grade 12.  He also enjoys cooking, baking, interior design, decorating the table, photography, playing the guitar and craftwork. He attributes his inspiration for the creativity he has to his Aunt Eunice, his caretaker at a previous home, and his love for cooking to his grandfather who was a fabulous chef.  He ultimately hopes to become a fashion designer.

According to THOKOZANI he says his home is nurtured with love, respect, honesty, optimism and hope, especially hope. He is the eldest boy in the family. He has a great sense of humour and enjoys playing basketball and rugby. TK is also a talented public speaker and enjoys poetry. He is a mature young man with well developed interpersonal skills. He says his life has changed dramatically and it has changed for the better. He has learnt a lot from his experiences at home and one of the things he has learnt and taken to heart is, ‘the past is not a place of residence but reference’. One of his top achievements was being elected as a prefect for 2010 at Hillcrest High School. His goal for 2012 while he considers his future studies is to “get experience in the working world by working hard.” He would like to encourage the South African youth to: “Stay in school, work hard and learn as much as possible.”

Tracy is our newest child to join iThemba. She has brought much joy to the Jacob House. Tracy attends Winston Park Primary School and is in Grade 7. Her favourite school subjects are Afrikaans and Art and she enjoys netball, swimming, dancing and badminton. She really enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Her best colour is light blue and when her Mom serves Chicken ala king for supper she smiles broadly. This shy and thoughtful girl has adjusted well to her new environment and has achieved a sense of belonging with her family. She says the best aspect about her family is that “they make me laugh”.