Tears, hugs, and kisses marked the emotional reunion on Friday at the Qacha’sNek border post as 12 unaccompanied minors were returned from South Africa to their families.

The children, six boys and six girls aged five to fourteen, had been staying at alternative care facilities under the care of the Eastern Cape Social Development after their attempt to visit parents working in South Africa went wrong.

Two of the children, siblings born in 2018 and 2020 and suspected to originate from Quthing, had left in 2022, while the remaining ten left in June 2025.

The remaining ten come from Ha Sekake, Qabane, Ha Ramoroke, and Mosaqane. Among them, two grade 7 students missed their examinations due to the journey.

In an interview, a 12-year-old boy from Ha Ramoroke recounted leaving home with his 13-year-old sister and a cousin on June 13, 2025, after school closed for winter holidays. Without passports, he said they had to avoid authorities during the journey, but were eventually captured. He vowed never to repeat the journey and plans to resume school next year, even if it means repeating grade 5.

Parents and grandparents expressed relief and emotion. Ts’eliso Makoae said, it wasn’t the first time his child visited, but it was the first time the trip was unsuccessful. He said it took an emotional toll on him and it will never happen again.

Grandmother Malineo Nkoli from Mosaqane said she will finally sleep now that her five-year-old grandson has returned.

On the other hand, MGYSD Child Welfare Officer Refiloe Rammoko warned of the growing trend of children traveling unaccompanied to South Africa. She explained that repatriation is a lengthy process, involving coordination with Matatiele social workers, the national office in Maseru, and detailed household assessments.

Rammoko emphasized that the incident affects children and caregivers emotionally and psychologically and called on all stakeholders to protect children.