Mary's life had never been easy, but she had always found a way to overcome her hurdles. Living in a mining area at Inyathi Centre, she had grown accustomed to suffering — but nothing could have prepared her for the challenges she would face. Tragedy struck when Mary's husband Daniel lost his life in a devastating mine collapse, and Mary was left alone to take care of their two minor children, Zibusiso aged 10 and Theo aged 6. As if fate had not dealt her enough blows, Mary discovered that she had contracted Tuberculosis (TB) due to the poor environment she was living in.
Mary started the six-month treatment for TB, and at times it felt like the world was crumbling around her. Her children were not registered for birth certificates, and the death certificate for her late husband had not yet been acquired — making it difficult for her to attain legal documents for her children. Despite the overwhelming odds against her, Mary refused to give up. She was determined to secure a future for her minor children.
One day, while seeking medical attention at Inyathi Rural District Hospital, Mary met a Trinity Project officer who was raising awareness on the importance of birth registration at the institution. Mary was given legal advice on the documentation process, guided through each step, and supported as she navigated the complexities of birth registration.
“Mary refused to give up and she had to ensure a secure future for her minor children.”
Mary was first assisted to attain the death certificate for her late husband, and the paternal relatives were contacted for declaration of child paternity. A week later, she was supported to attain her children's birth certificates at Inyathi Civil Registry — finally holding in her hand the documents that proved her children existed and were entitled to the fundamental rights that come with citizenship. Despite encountering challenges, Mary refused to give up; she found the courage to keep stepping up for the love of her children. Today she is living a healthy life and fulfilling her children's dreams.
