Surge in baby dumping prompts urgent policy review

The discovery of four abandoned babies in Cape Town within just one month has left communities reeling and raised urgent questions about accountability and prevention.

The tragic trend highlights the desperate circumstances facing vulnerable mothers and the gaps in support.

Just In Time Baby Sanctuary founder, Georgina Caetano, explains why some mothers feel there is no other option available to them:

"The gaps in support, not just from family and partners, but from society and our major stakeholder, our governing departments, our hospitals, our clinics."

Georgina Caetano, Founder - Just In Time Baby Sanctuary

Many women are facing shame and stigma, says Caetano.

"A lot of these women are shamed...abandoned by the people that are meant to help them."

Georgina Caetano, Founder - Just In Time Baby Sanctuary

She adds that the recent cases seen in Cape Town are not unique to the Western Cape.

"It's everywhere. It's in every province...probably one a week in difference provinces. Weekly, if not daily."

Georgina Caetano, Founder - Just In Time Baby Sanctuary

Last month, the Gauteng High Court offered a lifeline to two local organisations, allowing them to continue using baby saver boxes for at least another year.

The Department of Social Development had insisted the devices were illegal and had previously threatened to shut down organisations that use them.

But the applicants argued that baby boxes offer a safe and anonymous way for desperate mothers to relinquish babies they cannot look after.

Listen to the founder of Just In Time Baby Sanctuary, Georgina Caetano, in conversation with Jacob Moshokoa about the rise in infant abandonments.