YOUNG GIRL REPATRIATED TO SA FROM MAURITIUS TOUCHES DOWN ON HOME SOIL

• The young girl who was repatriated from a prison in Mauritius was finally united with her family in South Africa on Friday, 13 December 2024.
•  The child had spent the past five years in prison after her mother, who was pregnant at the time, was incarcerated for drug trafficking in 2019.
• Department of Social Development officials made it possible for the little girl to meet her maternal grandmother on arrival in South Africa. The two hugged each other warmly as they recognised one another, with tears of joy adding to the emotional greeting.

 Kempton Park: The Department of Social Development has successfully repatriated a five-year-old girl who was born in prison in the Republic of Mauritius after her mother was incarcerated for drug trafficking in 2019.

The mother, unaware that she was one month pregnant at the time, had ingested drugs as part of an attempt to smuggle them.

The child, who has spent much of her young life within the prison walls, was accompanied by department officials and arrived safely in South Africa, where she was united with her grandmother, who will now serve as her primary caregiver.

On arrival, the little girl was warmly received by her grandmother, alongside social workers from the department.

In an emotional moment, tears flowed as the grandmother and granddaughter instantly recognised each other. They had connected on video calls that had been allowed at the prison.

In preparation for the little girl’s repatriation, the Republic of Mauritius facilitated regular Skype calls between the child and her grandmother, a service provided to help ease the transition for the girl and her grandmother.

The physical greeting between the two was marked by joyful hugs and heartfelt expressions of love.

Reflecting on the success of the mission, Acting Chief Director of Communications for the Department of Social Development, Bathembu Futshane, said: “I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for being part of such a transformative and meaningful story. This achievement underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children.”

Deputy Director: Internal Communications, Precious Mupenzi, also shared her thoughts on the mission. “This experience was an invaluable learning opportunity, highlighting South Africa’s commitment to upholding children’s rights.

“One key takeaway is the importance of prioritising children in all circumstances to ensure a brighter future.

“I was also struck by the power of women supporting each other, even in the most challenging situations. The solidarity shown by the female prison community in Mauritius toward the mother and her daughter was a powerful reminder of what women can achieve together.”

The department will now ensure the child receives comprehensive child protection services to support her successful integration into her new environment.

The department is mandated by the Children’s Act to repatriate distressed or vulnerable South African children from foreign countries.

Section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 notes that the best interests of the child must be protected at all times, while Section 7(1)(f)(ii) of the Act mandates the department to ensure that a child “maintains a connection with his or her extended family, culture or tradition”.

Issued by the national Department of Social Development

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Bathembu Futshane on 071 162 1154 or on bathembuf@dsd.gov.za.