Child welfare organisations and first responders in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are sounding the alarm over a disturbing surge in abandoned babies. Since early January, over 40 cases have been recorded across Durban, with babies found in various locations, including crates, bushes, pathways, outside police stations, parks, and toilets. The rising number of abandoned babies has prompted calls for support from organisations and individuals.
Dr. Daniel Chettiar, founder of the DSK Group, a non-profit organisation in northern Durban, said his organisation had been instrumental in assisting with the rescue of over 40 abandoned babies in the Phoenix, Verulam, and Tongaat areas. He expressed concern about the increasing number of abandoned babies and the circumstances surrounding their abandonment. Chettiar's organisation has been receiving an influx of calls related to abandoned babies.
The DSK Group has launched a baby item collection drive to support organisations caring for the abandoned babies. The drive aims to collect gently used baby items, toiletries, diapers, and bottles. Collection boxes have been distributed at shops around Durban and Johannesburg, and donations are being accepted. This initiative seeks to provide essential items to organisations caring for the abandoned babies.
Michelle Potgieter from Shepherds Keep, a home for abandoned and abused babies in Bluff, reported a surge in abandoned babies this year. Her organisation has received several cases of abandoned babies, including a newborn baby girl found dumped at the army base in Bluff. The baby was covered in red ants and had suffered from sun exposure but survived and was later adopted.
Potgieter described several recent cases of abandoned babies, including a baby boy found tied in a packet, one found in the banks of a river, and another found in a bin packet. A two-month-old baby was found naked in a box outside the police station in Bluff, suffering from malnutrition and developmental delays. These cases highlight the severity of the issue.
The majority of the cases are coming from the Chatsworth area, according to Potgieter. She emphasised that the problem of abandoned babies is a crisis across Durban and called for stricter laws against those who abandon their children. The organisations are working closely with the Chatsworth Child Welfare and other authorities to address the issue.
To contribute to the DSK Group's baby item collection drive, individuals can contact Daniel Chettiar on 078 688 6623. The organisations involved are urging the public to support their efforts to care for the abandoned babies and prevent further cases of abandonment.
Key points
- Over 40 abandoned babies have been rescued in KwaZulu-Natal since early January.
- Organisations are calling for support and stricter laws to address the issue of abandoned babies.
- A baby item collection drive has been launched to support organisations caring for the abandoned babies.
