NOKUKHANYA MUSI–AIMIENOHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY WHEN 16-year-old Nomalungelo* (not her real name) lost her only surviving parent to COVID-19, she dropped out of school to fend for her younger siblings. "I had to wake up as early as 5 am and leave the informal settlement to look for work. On some days, I'd be lucky and make E50 (US$3) from reselling the scrap metal I found from the dumpsite, but on normal days, I'd make E30 (US$1.50)." She also hints at experiencing sexual abuse by men who expected payment 'in kind' for any help they rendered her. Nomalungelo tells us…