AFTER 16 years at Ray of Hope Babies Home, the home’s former crisis mom, Rachel Uys, retired in April, closing a chapter that she describes as her life’s work.

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During her time at the babies’ home, Uys cared for countless vulnerable infants and toddlers, many of whom went on to be adopted into loving homes in South Africa and abroad.


Looking back, she said some of the moments that stayed with her most were seeing children return years later to visit.

“We have had boys and girls come back from Denmark and the UK, as teenagers to visit us,” said Uys.
“This kept me focused on the main reason I have been in this industry.”

Uys said the organisation faced ongoing financial pressure over the years and often depended on fundraising events and donations from the public to continue operating.

“Clothes and household goods were sold at boot sales; ladies teas and Christmas fairs were ways that we tried to keep our heads above water,” she said.

One child whose story remains close to her heart is Joy, who arrived at the home at about a year old and in poor health.

Uys recalled how staff cared for her and slowly watched her grow into a happy little girl. During the Covid-19 pandemic and the July 2021 unrest in Durban, Joy’s adoptive parents from the UK finally arrived after several cancelled flights.

“Only to arrive in Durban on 12 July, when all hell was breaking loose across our city,” said Uys.

She said her husband and two armed men helped fetch the couple from their bed and breakfast establishment and bring them safely to the babies’ home.

Joy is now nine years old and still keeps in touch with the home through birthday celebrations, photos and video calls.

Uys said baby homes had become an important part of the community, with residents regularly supporting the organisation through donations, Mandela Day projects, Easter events and Christmas gifts.

She believes caring for vulnerable children requires genuine compassion and commitment from staff.

“The only way values and qualities can be instilled in staff, is when they are committed to daily loving care, and do not view their work at the baby home as only a job,” she said.

Uys said the role changed her deeply over the years.

“It’s impossible to work with these very vulnerable babies and toddlers, without it having a profound impact on you as an individual,” she said.

As she enters retirement, Uys said her hope is for the children at the home to continue receiving the love and care they deserve.

“It has been my life’s work and I have been honoured to be part of this NPO,” she said.

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