Every child is welcomed into Highveld House – and many, after leaving, report that they still remember the skills they were taught there. Perhaps ever more importantly, they say that their stay at Highveld House improved their lives and changed their attitudes towards life. So what is Highveld House?
When a Children’s Court Order is given for a child in Mpumalanga to leave the family home, for whatever reason, a “place of safety” is essential. This haven, in Witbank, aims to meet the emotional, physical, psychological and educational needs of these children in a safe home environment.
Help us transform our children’s lives. We require your help and assistance to expand Highveld House.
The house itself was donated by Highveld Steel & Vanadium Corporation, and has been fully occupied since its opening in June, 1999. Children up to 18 years and from all race groups, are assessed while they live there for up to six months, until a suitable placement can be made for them in a children’s home, foster care, at a school of industries or back in the family home. Witbank Child Welfare Society, which has been operating in Witbank for almost 70 years has created the sub committee who are responsible for running Highveld House. 
Mrs Mrs Sani Mthombeni and the Principal Social Worker, Felistas Mandiyanike help care for up to 12 children in a family atmosphere. While there, they attend local schools, are taken on outings, to church and youth activities, complete life skill programmmes, and are taught handcraft skills. Bible instruction in English, Afrikaans and Zulu are also available. They receive dental and medical care and psychological therapy as required.
As the children are not allowed to leave the house without adult supervision, volunteers play a large part in taking children on outings, giving Bible instruction, and helping them with homework, holiday projects such as handcrafts and life skill programmes. Some of the older children are placed in part-time jobs in the community where they can earn money for their future.
The statistics over the last 4 years of the children in the house are:
2008
- 7 White
- 11 Black
- 1 Asian
- 2 Coloured
2009
- 5 White
- 12 Black
- 1 Asian
- 1 Coloured
2010
- 5 White
- 12 Black
- 1 Asian
2011
- 14 Black
- 7 White
Fundrasing is an ongoing project, as only a small subsidy is available. This does not cover costs, and donations from the community are essential. The Friends of Highveld House sponsor the children by buying toiletries for them and donating cash, groceries and clothes, or visiting the home to spend time with a child who does not receive visitors.
So can you help?
It is a basic human right for every child to be loved and cared for. So can you help?
To learn more about the Friends of Highveld House – and how you can help – call the center manager Mrs Sani Mthombeni at 013 658 6539 or 084 215 0612 or the Principal Social Worker, Felistas Mandiyanike at 013 656 2471.
Your interest will be welcomed.
HIGHVELD HOUSE – A Place of Safety
