By: Tyroline Franks and Katleho Sekhotho
The Door of Hope Children’s Mission reported that a 141 South African babies were abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NGO reports that 81 of the abandoned babies were found dead.
Nadine Grabham, the Operations Director says that mother’s are unable to register their babies for social grants during lockdown.
“This puts tremendous pressure on parents who were already struggling before lockdown,” says Grabham.
Grabham says that absent fathers are another reason why mothers choose to abandon their babies
Tyroline Franks and Katleho Sekhotho report
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Hundreds of babies in South Africa abandoned during the pandemic Natasha
A report by a 34-year-old mother in Soweto, supports the statement made by Grabham.
Unemployment is her reason for giving up her baby.
The baby’s father contributed R500 a month in support, but it was not enough to cover the monthly expenses.
Tyroline Franks and Katleho Sekhotho report
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Hundreds of babies in South Africa abandoned during the pandemic Natasha
Child Abandonment
The act of child abandonment is a criminal offence in South Africa.
A person found guilty of abandoning a child after birth will be charged and prosecuted.
Charges could include crimes such as concealment of birth and attempted murder.
Workers at Door of Hope say factors such as rape, unemployment and postnatal depression often lead to baby abandonment.
Baby Home Manager Francinah Phaga says Door of hope places no judgement on mothers who choose to safely relinquish their babies.
She says they are hopeful that more vulnerable mothers will make use of the baby saver units.
Tyroline Franks and Katleho Sekhotho report
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Hundreds of babies in South Africa abandoned during the pandemic Natasha
Adoptions In South Africa
The NGO is happy to report that black families in South Africa are now more receptive to adoption.
The lengthy adoption process often deters parents from following through and adopting a child.
Kerryn Wincworth, an adoptive mother in Gauteng advises prospective parents to be patient with the adoption process.
“It did take almost 2 years before she [adopted daughter] was ours,” says Wincworth.
She continues by saying that the process was challenging but rewarding.
Tyroline Franks and Katleho Sekhotho report
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Hundreds of babies in South Africa abandoned during the pandemic Natasha
Funds during COVID-19
The NGO says that the public assists greatly.
Because of the pandemic funds are limited.
It relies on donations from donors and the public.
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DOORS OF HOPE _ Francinah two Natasha
