From adversity to family strengthening, two sisters’ journey with the help of AFS-Khusela

This family’s journey has been marked by profound hardship and adversity. Regina, 26, and her sister Nothemba, 19, originally lived with their parents. Their lives took a devastating turn when their father passed away due to HIV/AIDS, which he had contracted from their mother. With their father gone, their mother became their sole provider. Compounding their difficulties, both Regina and Nothemba were born HIV positive, adding to their challenges. Despite these harsh realities, they have managed to create a better life for themselves with the support of AFS-K and their community. 

Background 

My sister and I were born HIV positive, which compounded the challenges we faced. After our father’s death, my mother entered a relationship with a new boyfriend and sold our home. We moved in with him, but life quickly became difficult. He showed little concern for us and focused solely on his own children, while both he and my mother began drinking heavily. The environment grew abusive and manipulative. My mother became increasingly reliant on alcohol, forcing me to drop out of first grade to care for Nothemba. “At just 8 years old, I was responsible for my 2-year-old sister, and we often found ourselves sleeping outside in the yard after being kicked out of the house,” Regina recalled. The situation worsened when my mother’s boyfriend began sexually abusing both Nothemba and me. This abuse led to severe abdominal problems for me, and he threatened to kill us if we spoke out. A concerned woman from our community noticed the sexual abuse and confronted my mother, but rather than protecting us, my mother dismissed her concerns and ultimately kicked us from the house. 

Systematic Challenges  

“We were eventually taken in by a kind woman who involved social workers to assist us. They helped us obtain birth certificates and reconnect with our father’s side of the family. Sadly, my mother passed away in 2010,” Regina shared. However, life with their paternal family was far from easy. Regina’s paternal grandmother was emotionally abusive and neglected her needs. Feeling abandoned, Regina and her sister decided to leave. 

“When I was 16, I became pregnant and fell seriously ill, leading to a year-long hospital stay. After being discharged, I returned to my grandmother’s home, where my little sister Nothemba had to drop out of school to care for me,” Regina explained. With no adults to support them, it was just her, her sister, her daughter, and their cousin Banele, who struggled with drug addiction. It was an extremely difficult and unsafe environment. “I had to rely on community members to protect me from my cousin and his violent friends. The situation escalated when my sister, trying to defend us, fought and stabbed our cousin, which resulted in him being hospitalized,” Regina recounted. 

The role of AFS-K and OCOF HHCSA intervention support 

I was introduced to Zandile, a member of AFS-K, by a concerned community member. “The situation was so bad when I first got there. I knew I couldn’t leave these kids alone; they weren’t going to make it. Regina had completely given up—she was extremely sick, skinny, there was no food, and the siblings were all alone,” Zandile recalls. I was constantly in the hospital, had lost control of my bladder, and had defaulted on my HIV medication. My condition worsened, and my immune system completely shut down, says Regina. 

AFS-K Intervention 

They have assisted me with everything. Zandile, through her work as an AFS-K member has kept all her promises and never gave up on me. She took me to hospitals, connected me with doctors, and helped me regain my voice. I had given up on everything, but she encouraged me to open up and not lose hope. She constantly checks in on me, and I’ve gone from never leaving the house to gaining confidence in myself. 

AFS-K provided comprehensive support for the family. They cleaned our entire house, installed safety locks, and supplied us with food parcels and transportation for my hospital check-ups. They connected Regina with health services for TB treatment and secured a disability grant, which provided both financial support and additional resources. A psychologist was arranged to help the sisters with trauma, and Regina received physiotherapy to aid her recovery. “I’m currently undergoing TB treatment, which is progressing well, and I am also seeing a urologist to address bladder issues and improve my condition,” said Regina. Despite all these setbacks Zandile, with the help of OCOF –HHCSA, social workers, was able to enroll Nothemba in a school to complete her Grade 10 and continue her education. They provided her with stationery, books, and a school essential to support her studies. 

Impact on the family 

Growing up, I wanted to become a beauty specialist, but when I fell ill, I lost hope in myself. Since AFS-K stepped in, I’ve started to envision a better future and dream again. I am determined to improve my life and not let their support go to waste. I used to neglect personal care, but now I look forward to each day and take pride in myself, says Regina. Our relationship with our cousin Banele has also improved. He has apologised for his past mistakes and is making efforts to change his life. He regularly keeps us updated and visits us. My daughter, who is now 7 years old, has been a great source of inspiration and joy. Our relationship is wonderful and brings tears to my eyes; she inspires me and prays for me, adds Regina.  

The two sisters continue to live and build a life together, serving as each other’s pillars of support. They have created a small family of their own, thriving and supporting each other with the help of AFS-K and their community. 

*All the names are changed to protect identity.