How long did Sipho live with his mom?

As many historians, citizens, and observers know, South Africa used to be the center of a racially oppressive system called apartheid, but that all began to change in the 1990s. As an expression of the history and struggles of those who lived under the troubling system, Beverly Naidoo published No Turning Back in 1995 at a time when the country was undergoing significant cultural changes that would help break its people free from the system. Black children, in particular, endured some of the most painful experiences that influence their thoughts and feelings even today. In Naidoo's novel, Sipho, a poor black boy growing up in South Africa, is one of the main characters.
As the chains of Apartheid rip apart, Sipho decides to venture away from home and learn to live on his own. He encounters many struggles, of course, not only because he is black and young in South Africa, but also because he is a runaway from his family. Sipho felt betrayed by his mom, who did not defend him against the beatings he endured at home from his violent, alcoholic Stepfather. Before leaving home to escape his stepfather's abuse and the poor living conditions in the home due to his mother losing her job and not having enough food, Sipho lived with his mom for twelve years. He left home at the age of twelve to try to become independent and provide for himself. And his young age was just one of the many reasons why Sipho found life on his own to be so difficult.