Kwa-Thema – As the globe celebrated World Adoption Day on November 9, the African Reporter sat down with Refiloe Mgcina (49) to reflect on her own adoption journey.

“I was legally adopted when I was only five days old. My birth mother left me in hospital just after she gave birth at Tambo Memorial Hospital,” she explained.

Mgcina did not find out about her adoption until she was 27 years old.

“It got my father so upset because he wanted to keep it a secret. I was told that my birth mother does not know the gender of the child she gave birth to.

“She was blindfolded because she had already signed up for adoption and stated clearly that she hated the baby and wanted nothing to do with it,” she added.

Mgcina said she is grateful that her mother left her at the hospital.

“Other children are left in unsafe places that may put their lives at risk. Both my adoptive parents raised me well. I lacked nothing growing up.

“However, in the past I was ashamed to tell my story, but I realized that it is the right thing to do after learning of teenagers who commit suicide because they have lost their parents through death, while others choose to live promiscuous and careless lives because of the death of their parents.

“I always counsel them that at least they know their birth parents. There’s no need to give up in life because of pain,” she said.

She added that she is passionate about educating others about adoption.

“Refiloe was beautiful and tiny when we got her. It was a joyous moment for me and my husband. She brought happiness into our home,” said Sibongile Khumalo Rammego, Mgcina’s mother.

ALSO READ: Wider investigations as more allegations come to light regarding EMPD deputy chief

The name Refiloe translates to “we have been given.”

“I will always be grateful and thankful to God for the family He gave me. I guess now you know why my name is Refiloe.

“I would still love to meet my birth mother. I would hug her and tell her that I love her. I want her to know that I have forgiven her, and I hope that she has forgiven herself,” said Mgcina.

If you are looking to adopt a child in South Africa, you should approach an adoption agency. The agencies provide screening and help locate a child who is available for adoption.

One can only apply for national adoption if you are a South African citizen residing in South Africa and you want to adopt a South African child.

ALSO READ: From ink to beats: Savage Sossa redefines township art through music, film, and tattoos