Eastern Cape Department of Social Development
By Lerato Mpembe
The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development has expressed deep concern over the escalating number of infant abandonment cases in the province. Since March 2024, nearly 40 infants have been abandoned, with the most recent incident involving a week-old baby girl found in a plastic bag near a bridge in Mdantsane, East London.
This distressing trend mirrors a national crisis. Annually, over 3,500 unwanted babies are deserted across South Africa, with a significant number tragically found deceased. 
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to this alarming situation:
• Poverty and Unemployment: Economic hardships render many parents incapable of providing for their children.
• Lack of Support: Single mothers, especially teenagers, often lack familial or community support, leading to desperate measures.
• Stigma: Societal judgment associated with unplanned pregnancies can drive mothers to abandon their infants.
Legal Implications
Child abandonment is a criminal offence in South Africa. Individuals who desert a child can face charges such as concealment of birth and attempted murder. The Children’s Act mandates that abandoned children be placed in temporary safe care pending further investigation and final placement. 
Government Initiatives
In response to the crisis, the Department of Social Development has implemented several initiatives:
• Parenting Skills Training: A R12.3 million programme aimed at equipping parents with essential childcare skills.
• Support Services: Provision of guidance and assistance to parents facing difficulties, encouraging them to seek help rather than resort to abandonment.
Community Involvement
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. For instance, Door of Hope, an NGO focused on rescuing abandoned babies, reported 88 cases of abandoned infants in 2023, with 59 found deceased. They anticipate these numbers to rise by the end of 2024. 
Call to Action
The department urges parents struggling to care for their children to seek assistance. There are programmes and facilities designed to support parents in distress, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the parent and child.
Conclusion
The rising cases of infant abandonment in the Eastern Cape and across South Africa highlight a pressing social issue that necessitates immediate attention. Through combined efforts of government initiatives, community support, and public awareness, there is hope to curb this distressing trend and safeguard the future of vulnerable infants.
Additional Resources
For parents seeking assistance or individuals wishing to report cases of child abandonment, the following resources are available:
• Childline South Africa: Offers a 24-hour toll-free helpline for children and families in crisis. Contact them at 08000 55 555.
• Department of Social Development: Provides various support services for families and children. Visit their website at www.dsd.gov.za for more information.
• Door of Hope: An NGO dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned babies. Learn more about their work at www.doorofhope.co.za.
Preventive Measures
To address the root causes of child abandonment, the following measures are recommended:
• Comprehensive Sex Education: Implementing educational programmes that inform young people about reproductive health and responsible parenting.
• Economic Support: Providing financial assistance and employment opportunities to impoverished families to alleviate economic pressures.
• Counselling Services: Offering psychological support to parents dealing with trauma, depression, or other mental health issues.
Case Studies
Recent incidents in the Eastern Cape underscore the severity of the situation:
• Twin Infants in Mbizana: Two weeks ago, twin babies were found in a dustbin in Mbizana, highlighting the desperate measures some parents resort to.
• Infant in Grahamstown: A crying infant was discovered by a doctor driving out of Settlers Hospital in Grahamstown early last month, emphasizing the need for community vigilance.
Expert Opinions
Experts emphasize the importance of community support in preventing child abandonment. Zoleka Capa, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, stated, “There is a strong social support that is required.” 
Statistical Overview
While exact numbers are challenging to ascertain due to underreporting, estimates suggest that approximately 3,500 children survive abandonment every year in South Africa. 
Legal Framework
The Children’s Act of 2005 emphasizes the best interests of the child as the primary concern in all matters affecting the child. It allows for various forms of intervention in cases of child abandonment, including placing the child in temporary safe care and initiating legal proceedings against the responsible parties.
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