​A heartwarming farewell unfolded on Sunday at the Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre as 13-year-old Joel Magembe, a Tanzanian national, boarded a flight home to reunite with his family after ten years of separation.

Joel arrived in South Africa at just three years old and, following the death of his grandmother, his sole guardian, lived in vulnerable conditions. Left in the care of unrelated adults who failed to provide him with protection or education, he was later rescued and placed under the care of the Gauteng Department of Social Development's child protection services.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Department and the Tanzanian High Commission, DNA testing confirmed Joel’s biological link to his father, Bryan Bitiningo Magembe. The High Commission facilitated the travel process, covering all related costs, and the department obtained a court order for Joel’s repatriation.

 
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Tanzania, Mr. James Bwana, personally accompanied Joel from Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport. In a gesture of kindness, he upgraded Joel’s flight ticket to business class, capturing moments of the boy resting peacefully and playing games during the journey.

 
Upon arrival in Tanzania, Joel was warmly welcomed by his father, government officials, and the principal of the school he will now attend. “We are grateful to the government of South Africa, especially the Gauteng Department of Social Development, for their extraordinary support. Joel will receive the best education, and we will cover all expenses,” said Commissioner Bwana.


He added, “We want him to have a bright future like any other child. He is always welcome to return to South Africa once he has achieved his dreams.”

 
Social workers who handled Joel’s case wore black and green, colours symbolising child protection, as they gathered to bid him farewell. Emotions ran high as Joel cried and hugged his caregivers and friends, especially those who shared his love for music after school.

As the airport gates closed behind him, Joel left not just a centre, but a community that had cared for and loved him, returning home with hope, dignity, and a second chance at childhood.