Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development says it is investigating allegations levelled against social workers in a note left with an abandoned baby in Verulam by the mother, who stated that she had no option after social workers ‘delayed’ assisting her.
The baby girl was discovered by a man in a bush in the vicinity of a soccer field by Oaklands Drive in Dawncrest on Monday.
Reaction Unit South Africa(Rusa) reported that a bag containing nappies, a bottle of milk and a pacifier was lying next to the child, as well as a handwritten note in English, which is believed to have been written by the mother.
The note read: “Hi, You might be wondering why I dumped my baby, don’t wonder just help her if you can or call authorities but don’t judge me. I have spoken to social workers they delaying to assist. I know this looks bad but I had no option, the system is fragile and we cant even abort safely anymore, hospitals have strict rules."
DA KZN spokesperson on Social Development Mmabatho Tembe, in a statement on Tuesday, called on Social Department MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza to provide answers on the incident.
“The abandonment of yet another baby is telling of a broken system. Of particular concern are the contents of the letter in which the child’s mother apologises for her actions, stating that she tried to get help, but none was forthcoming,” she said.
Tembe said the department has a responsibility to help citizens in their time of need, adding that the mother should have been able to receive assistance.
“The abandonment of her child is an act of sheer desperation, and the DA expects the MEC to launch a comprehensive probe into this incident. In the event that the woman’s claims are found to be true, then there must be severe consequences,” she said.
Department spokesperson Mhlaba Memela said the local office was not aware of the case.
“Equally, the office is also not aware of the allegations reported and mentioned in the letter. There is no record of a woman who came requesting any help from the social workers,” he said.
Memela said it is disappointing that people continue to abandon their children.
“The department will investigate the allegation made in the letter to ascertain what exactly the mother of the child had requested if she ever met with a social worker,” he said.
He urged the public to contact the department if they cannot take care of their children.
“A child can be placed for adoption with the option to have the biological mother have full access to the child.
“The department can keep a child until the situation of the mother gets better. We want to urge the mother who dumped the child to come forward so she can be helped with any situation that might (have) led her to violate the rights of this child,” said Memela.
Memela added that the baby was placed in the care of the Verulam Child Welfare and Family Society.