Reunion after 24 years - care home goes extra mile to fulfil resident's wish

A care home in Manchester has witnessed a heart-warming achievement as they successfully orchestrated the reunion of a resident with his family in South Africa, fulfilling his long-held wish after nearly two decades.

Mafika Mlangeni, a former NHS nurse, arrived in the UK in 1999 but faced health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson's, Dysarthria, and limited mobility. His desire to reunite with his family in South Africa, whom he hadn't seen for 24 years, became the driving force behind a dedicated effort by the staff at Brookdale View care home.

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After arriving at Brookdale View care home on 14 July, Mafika expressed his heartfelt wish to return home to be with his wife, children and grandchildren - some of whom he'd never met, having only been able to keep in touch through phone and video calling.

The care home staff in Newton Heath initiated a determined initiative dubbed 'Team Repatriation,' led by Home Manager Tsitsi Shanyurai.

The team initiated discussions with local authorities and healthcare professionals where a comprehensive medical report was prepared, detailing his condition and needs for immigration and family reference.

Despite numerous hurdles and extensive coordination the collective effort paid off. After 111 days of tireless work, a heartfelt send-off party was held at Brookdale View care home, where Tsitsi, donning traditional attire, danced symbolising success in Mr. Mlangeni's honour.

The emotional peak arrived on 7 November when Mr. Mlangeni's plane touched down at Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Welcoming him were his wife, children, grandchildren, and close family friends at the