​In a display of government intervention and cross-border collaboration, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has secured a court order to repatriate and reunite 13-year-old Joel Khumalo Magembe with his family in Tanzania, marking the end of a decade-long separation.

On Thursday, 08 May 2025, the Nigel Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Corridor granted the Department’s request for Joel’s repatriation and reunification. The joyful outcome was delivered by Magistrate Kovilan Archery in the presence of the dedicated Social Workers handling his case, Dimakatso Matshomo and Smangele Ntshangase.


Joel, who arrived in South Africa at just three years old, had been living in vulnerable conditions following the death of his grandmother, his only guardian at the time. After her passing, he was left in the care of unrelated adults who neither ensured his education nor protected his well-being. 

 
Fortunately, he was eventually rescued and placed in the care of the Department’s child protection services.

“We were able to trace his family through people who had known his grandmother,” said Matshomo. “This is why I love my job, reuniting children with their families. Joel will fly to Tanzania on 18 May, accompanied by an official from the Tanzanian Embassy.”


A critical step in the reunification process was confirming Joel’s biological connection with his father, Bryan Bitiningo Magembe. The Tanzanian High Commission facilitated DNA testing by arranging for Joel’s father to travel to South Africa, covering all associated costs. The results confirmed their relationship, paving the way for Joel’s return home.

Both Matshomo and Ntshangase highlighted the collaboration and teamwork that made this outcome possible. “This wasn’t an easy journey,” said Ntshangase. “But with the support of all departments involved, we fulfilled our mission. Joel has endured a great deal, but we’ve supported him every step of the way and now, he’s smiling.”

When asked how he feels about finally returning to Tanzania, Joel beamed with excitement. “I’m looking forward to seeing my family. But one day, I’d like to come back to South Africa, I love speaking isiZulu and engaging with people in different languages,” he said, laughing. “In Tanzania, we speak Swahili, but I won’t forget isiZulu and the other South African languages I’ve learned.”

This heart warming story highlights the Department of Social Development’s unwavering commitment to child protection, cross-border family tracing, and restoring dignity to vulnerable children. Through tireless efforts and compassionate care, a young boy’s dream of belonging has finally been fulfilled.