MEC DANTJIE INTERVENES IN THE PLIGHT OF AN ABANDONED BABY

• Social Development MEC Basetsana Susanna Dantjie condemned the abandonment of a newborn baby found in Klerksdorp and highlighted safer alternatives available to mothers.
• The abandoned baby, found in good health, was taken to Klerksdorp Hospital for care, and the MEC emphasised that mothers can surrender their babies safely to hospital staff.
• Dantjie, who oversees child protection under the Children’s Act, will deliver essential supplies to a temporary care facility and has called on law enforcement to find the person responsible.

The Social Development MEC for the North West, Basetsana Susanna Dantjie, addressed the issue of child abandonment on Monday, highlighting available alternatives to such actions.

MEC Dantjie responded to a report on social media about a newborn baby found abandoned in Neserhof, Klerksdorp, last Thursday. According to the information received, the infant is in good health. The baby was wrapped in a blanket, with a carton of milk and a few nappies beside him. The police were summoned to the scene and took the child to Klerksdorp Hospital for medical care.

“I am so shocked by this incident. At this time and age, it is deeply troubling for a girl or woman to abandon the baby. At the time of giving birth, mothers have the right to give their newborn babies to the hospital nurses who will in turn liaise with our social workers for placement at the temporary safe care facilities. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, an abandoned child can be placed with the family member who has shown interest in the child or be placed under adoption,” Dantjie said. She also noted that her department is collaborating closely with the Rata non-profit organisation, which is responsible for child protection services in the region.

Dantjie, who oversees the Children’s Act, is scheduled to deliver a set of baby essentials, including milk, during her visit to a temporary safe care facility in Matlosana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, at 15:30. She has also urged law enforcement agencies to apprehend the person responsible for the abandonment.