Children's stories from the Haven.

Solomon's Haven story

Tanaka Kambile

Tanaka was one year old when she came to Solomon's Haven. As a baby she tested positive for HIV. The doctors had very little hope for her, but she proved them wrong and has prospered with the care and medication provided by the Haven. She does not know much about her parents, but she knows that her grandfather always visits her.

“At Solomon's Haven I have learnt how to speak, read and write. I am in Grade 3 now and one day when I grow up I want to become an independent woman.”

Solomon's Haven story

Mickellange and Gabriellange Ifeka

Mickellange and Gabriellange Ifeka are from the Democratic Republic of Congo and came to South Africa hoping for a better life. Instead, they suffered physical and emotional abuse and neglect from their father for more than five years. They were often confined to a small room with little food, and their education suffered.

When Mickellange finally escaped, she went straight to the police station for help and reported the abuse. Social services immediately removed the girls and placed them at Solomon's Haven. Their father has since fled the country, and their mother cannot be located because of the ongoing war in the DRC.

Solomon's Haven story

The Rudolph Children

The Rudolph children came to Solomon's Haven when Brazano was 10, Chelsea was 7 and Aneeqah was only 2 years old. Their parents were members of opposing gangs. From an early age Brazano learnt to be tough so he could protect himself and his sisters.

Tragedy struck when their father was killed and their mother was accused of his murder. The children were placed in safe care by the court and have lived at the Haven for many years. Sadly, they have not seen their mother since the tragedy, as she has either been in prison or could not be found.

Chelsea was later diagnosed with Reiter's Syndrome, which affects her eyes, joints and bladder. The Haven worked hard to get her the medical help she needed. Her pain has been severe, but Chelsea says, “I do not despair because I have a Ma and Pa that care for me and I LOVE them very much.”

In 2025, Brazano was a passer-by caught in a tragic gang shooting. He was shot in the head and is permanently blind. He had just left the Haven to start work and become independent. After the incident he had nowhere to go and no one to look after him, so the Haven opened their arms and welcomed him back.

Solomon's Haven story

Dakota Williams

Dakota Williams was almost two years old when she came to the Haven. She was found wandering in a field late at night in the Mitchells Plain Town Centre. Social workers reported that her mother was with a client when police found Dakota.

Dakota has been in the Haven's care ever since and has grown into a beautiful girl. Since she was placed at the Haven, there has been no contact with her family and no one has made enquiries about her.

Solomon's Haven story

The Emden Boys

The Emden boys are Sherwin, Chadwin, Chedwin and Mogamat. They arrived at the Haven in early 2026.

At first, only Chedwin and Mogamat were placed in temporary care. Their mother had abandoned them at Red Cross Children's Hospital after Chedwin was admitted with diphtheria and spent more than a week in intensive care. Social workers later found that both parents were struggling with drug addiction and the father was involved in a gang, so the two older brothers were also removed from their parents' care.

Mogamat had been diagnosed at birth with an inguinal hernia that caused him a great deal of pain. The Haven contacted Red Cross Hospital and arranged surgery in June 2026. The operation was successful and he has been a much brighter and happier child since.

When the boys arrived, it was found that they could not read or write and had never attended school. The older boys said they had lived in extreme poverty and abuse and were often taken to beg for food.

Since arriving at the Haven, all four boys have gained weight and become healthier. The Haven is also working on counselling for them because they show signs of serious psychological and emotional trauma from the violence, drug use, physical abuse and neglect they experienced.

Solomon's Haven story

Shakiera Bailey

Shakiera was five years old when she came to the Haven, around 2018. She had already been removed from her home and was living in foster care. Because of behavioural problems she was moved from her previous foster home and placed in the Haven's care.

Her story is similar to many of the children who come to the Haven from homes affected by drugs. Fortunately, Shakiera was removed from that environment at a young age.