The heart-wrenching yet inspiring tale begins with Baby Murunwa being left at a crèche in Diepsloot Extension 1 when she was just 18 months old, a victim of abandonment.
Her mother never returned for her, an act that would set the stage for a journey marked by resilience, ambition, and profound transformation. She was adopted by the Mhlongo family, owners of the crèche, who nurtured her and provided a stable foundation throughout her early life.
WATCH:Murunwa Mhlongo, 22, breaks the news of her tumultuous childhood.
As she grew older, Murunwa found herself grappling with questions about her identity. She discovered her past when she was 9; the thought of not knowing her biological family members weighed heavily on her. Despite her foster parents loving her, the questions persisted—a longing for connection that ended in disappointment.
“In 2019, while I was in matric, a friend told me about an elderly woman who had sewn her matric dance dress. When I met her, she mentioned I resembled my mother. I received my mother’s phone number, but when I reached out, she was uninterested and quite mean,” recounted Murunwa. She doesn't know anything about her biological father. "I asked my mother about him during our conversations, and she said she doesn't know as well, and that the last time she saw him, he was living in Alexandra. I never tried to reach out to him or look for him."
Murunwa attended Musenga Primary School in Diepsloot initially, but after her foster family relocated to Alexandra while in Grade 4, she continued her education at Ekukhanyisweni Primary School. They later moved back to Diepsloot, where she completed her primary education at Reshomile Primary School.
In Grade 7, she wrote an admission test for Leap 4 Science and Maths School, which she passed, and went on to complete her matric there. Throughout her academic journey, she was actively involved in various extracurricular activities such as netball, soccer, volleyball and cricket. She participated in drama and quiz clubs and also attended numerous leadership camps.
In her tumultuous childhood, Murunwa battled anger issues. Fortunately, her perspective began to shift during her years at Leap 4 School. The Life Orientation (LO) sessions offered a safe haven for expression and self-reflection, fostering an environment where she could work through her emotions. "The LO sessions played a crucial role in my healing process,” she reflected, crediting the guidance from her teachers as essential in overcoming her struggles and developing emotional resilience.
Despite the challenges of growing up in a poverty-stricken household—sharing a one-room shack with seven others—Murunwa was determined to pursue her education. “My foster family ensured that I never went to bed hungry,” she said.
Fast forward to 2021, and Murunwa transitioned from a young girl to a university student, funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). She enrolled in the University of Pretoria’s Bachelor of Education Intermediate Phase programmeand became an active leader within her university community, serving as a class representative and mentoring younger students.
Yet, the path was not without its obstacles. Murunwa encountered difficulties obtaining the necessary documentation to secure her identity. “Home Affairs required legal proof that I was adopted, which was a hurdle I had to overcome,” she recalled. After much perseverance, she finally received the needed paperwork, enabling her to move forward in life.
Today, the future appears bright for Murunwa, who has received a conditional admission offer to the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours programme at the University of Cape Town for 2025. “This is a significant milestone in my academic journey,” she shared excitedly, outlining her future plans: to graduate, work as an intermediate phase teacher and continue mentoring in her community while pursuing opportunities for further academic funding.
Murunwa Mhlongo plans to work as an intermediate phase teacher and continue mentoring in her community. Picture: Supplied
Murunwa’s message to others facing adversity is one of hope and empowerment. “Never let your circumstances define or limit you. Use your struggles as fuel for growth. Your past does not dictate your future—you hold the power to shape the life you desire.”
Her closing words resound with encouragement: “Believe in yourself and your potential. Surround yourself with positive influences, and remember: better days are ahead.”
