INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD CARE IN URBAN SOUTH AFRICA

CHAPTER VII
THE END OF CHILDHOOD (AGES 15-20)
THE CHALLENGE OF TRANSITION
Aging out remains constantly in the thoughts of the center’s staff and
administration. The previous chapters have illustrated how the center has spent an entire
childhood investing in children by providing them with safety, care, and education, at a
great cost. The center will have put an emphasis on psychological interventions at an
early age, customized education plans throughout schooling, and security all throughout
the growing up process. A lot of the same threats that endanger children, however, are
still relevant for young adults. This makes the moment of aging out of high concern.
What happens next reveals whether the center’s investment paid off for a particular child,
enabling him or her to thrive in adulthood.
I asked Buzwe what his plans were for his upcoming transition out of the center. As
the oldest child, his emancipation was on the horizon within months. From what I heard
from most people, he was likely to move back to the township of Thembisa, to live with
his brother. I also heard rumors that he and his brother were not particularly close and
that he might be living with somebody he barely knew. I wanted to make sure my
information was accurate, however, as I had only heard these statements from volunteers
in passing.
“I need to know where to find you the next time I’m able to visit South Africa,” I
told him. “Don’t worry,” he replied. “You will find me on Facebook.” I had gotten used
to his joking pattern of answering questions. Similar to Lindikhaya, he would answer
124