I was surprised by the Sowetan story, "Govt shuts home for orphans", on July 4.

I was surprised by the Sowetan story, "Govt shuts home for orphans", on July 4.

The reasons cited for the closure are that the home is not registered and not fit for the children.

The home is almost 12 years old and nobody advised Eunice Mabaso to register it.

The reasons for the closure are unreasonable.

Our government sometimes fails us because it preaches partnerships with communities, but at the same time kills the spirit. I am not condoning the fact that the home was not registered, but the government should have helped with the registration process.

Mabaso has, with little education, shown that one can contribute to one's country by providing shelter and food to the needy. In spite of this, she is treated like a criminal.

What the government has done is shameful because an orphanage with a 12-year history is destroyed in one day.

If we had more people like Mabaso, who are able to initiate projects and are supported by our democratic government instead of being pulled down, our country would be a far better place.

Gauteng social development spokesman Fred Mokoko's utterances, that it is illegal to keep more than six children without registering a home, show that he does not have the interest of the orphans at heart.

Ma Mabaso is like a tiny candle who is bringing immense light to the needy.

Masilo Malemela, Polokwane