Florence Mhlanga is a determined 21-year-old who lives in Thembelihle with her 17-year-old brother and her almost two-year-old son. After losing both of their parents, Florence and her brother have been navigating life with limited support from their extended family. The only family member who has been there for them is their uncle, who helps them when possible. Despite these challenges, Florence has remained resilient, driven by her responsibility to care for her family.

Florence’s mother passed away in 2021, and the family struggled to give her a decent send-off. They had to rely on donations from the community to cover funeral costs. In 2023, Florence took a gap year from school after falling pregnant, as she found it too difficult to balance school and caring for her child. Her 17-year-old brother, meanwhile, was expelled from school due to behavioral changes, becoming aggressive toward his peers and teachers. Now at home, he is working on turning his life around and hopes to re-enter school soon to complete his studies.

After her mother’s passing, Florence found support in the Abangane Grief and Loss Champions program, which helps youth cope with the loss of loved ones. Recruited through the Champions at Azara Secondary School, Florence joined the program to explore healthy ways of dealing with grief and emotions. She shared that the program has become a safe space where she can express her feelings and talk about the difficulties she has faced since losing her mother.

Florence’s life is full of challenges, including:

• Living in a child-headed household
• Being the breadwinner for her family
• Finding a way to return her brother to school
• Applying for identification documents since both parents were deceased and not South African citizens
• Limited family support from both maternal and paternal sides

Despite these challenges, Florence continues to persevere. Thanks to Khaya LeThemba and their ongoing support, the family receives daily meals and food parcels, ensuring they don’t go to bed hungry. As a member of the Young Mothers Program, Florence also receives support for her son, including food and clothing.

Florence’s story is a testament to resilience and hope. She is determined to provide the best future for her son, her brother, and herself. With continued support from Khaya LeThemba, Florence is working toward a brighter future, and we are proud to be part of her journey.