AS a true nurturer, it’s no surprise that Precious Thabethe has spent two decades caring for the little lives that enter The Domino Foundation’s Babies’ Home.

Many have been abandoned, some have been rescued from garbage bins and others are given up for adoption by desperate mothers with no means of support, but when they come to the home, Thabethe, with the love she has to offer, makes these little ones feel safe.

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Thabethe joined the baby home as a caregiver before she became a crisis parent when the foundation opened the second babies’ home.

Six years ago, she took on full responsibility for the transition home which has seen 174 babies and toddlers received, loved and nurtured before being adopted into their ‘forever’ families or reunited with their biological families.

“Together with my team of six carers, our aim is to give the little ones around-the-clock care of their physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual needs. I believe it’s my calling and that God placed me exactly where I belong. There are challenges on every journey, but if a person has a passion for what they do, they will always be shown a way over the obstacles,” said Thabethe.

“We have loved every baby with everything. It is an extra reward when we hear from the children years later – some of them in countries very far from South Africa – that they are being blessed with a good life, a sound education, are being well looked after and have wonderful opportunities ahead of them,” she added.

Mention Thabethe’s name and immediately, Natalie Ogden, Domino’s justice co-ordinator, speaks of her selfless dedication to providing the security of a loving environment for the children placed in her care by local child welfare organisations.

“This is a lady who must be celebrated, not only during Women’s Month – for her commitment to coming to the rescue of babies in crises, providing everything necessary to ensure a secure and safe environment for as long as they are with the home, her ability to stand firm in the face of many red-tape demands and regulations, and then her rejoicing to see yet another child into the arms of their new family shines,” said Ogden.

Thabethe invites volunteers to contact her about how they can give of their time, talents or in kind via email at preciousthabethe8246@gmail.com.

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