Written by: Dr Pearl Kupe
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Between 2010 and 2016 it was estimated that around 3500 babies were abandoned in South Africa every year. These babies were abandoned in public spaces or open velds, garbage and refuse dumps, toilet and sewage systems, lakes, rivers, and dams – and some were even buried in shallow graves. These statistics do not reflect the full reality on the ground, as many more babies are believed to have been abandoned but never found.
Providing a safe alternative
BabySavers South Africa (BSSA) and Door of Hope are two of the organisations that were founded to help provide a safe haven for abandoned babies and give them a chance at life. These organisations offer a safe alternative to unsafe baby abandonment through the use of discreet baby saver boxes.
Government crackdown on baby savers
In October 2023 the Department of Social Development (DSD) issued a directive declaring that the practice of baby savers is an illegal activity. The directive instructed all such practices to cease immediately, and for these services to be closed across the provinces. The reasoning given by the department was that baby saver boxes equated to abandonment – which is considered a criminal offence. If these safe houses are closed, thousands of abandoned babies in South Africa will be left to die.
Why would a woman abandon her baby?
No normal mother would willingly abandon a baby she has given birth to. Dire circumstances are some of the reasons why moms abandon babies. Most of these cases involve mothers who felt they were too young, financially unable to care for the child, whose babies were conceived through rape, or where the father walked away.
High Court action for justice
The directive issued by the Department of Social Development sparked the launch of a High Court application by BabySavers and Door of Hope. They are petitioning the Court to review and set aside the directive. In addition, they are asking government to amend Section 305(2) of the Children’s Act to exclude CYCCs (Child and Youth Care Centres), CPOs (Child Protection Organisations), and pre-approved POSs (Places of Safety) that provide baby saver boxes for the safe relinquishment of babies. This would ensure that the lives of abandoned babies are saved and that those offering help are not criminally charged with abandonment. A case has now been lodged.
The Deborahs 972 intervene
The Deborahs 972 (thedeborahs972.org) is a Christian legal clinic with a strong focus on justice issues affecting women and children. They have been invited to intervene in this matter as amicus curiae (friend of the court).
The Deborahs 972 hold strong Christian beliefs and align themselves with the Word of God, which states in Psalm 127:3-5 that children are a heritage from the Lord. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us that God created us intentionally in our mothers’ wombs with a God-ordained purpose. All abandoned babies, therefore, have a divine purpose – and that purpose must be protected. Psalm 139:13-16 acknowledges God’s hand in creating life in the womb.
The Deborahs are representing the matter with the conviction that infants – both in the womb and newly born – are image bearers of God. They believe each child has a God-given purpose and identity, and that every child deserves to be loved and valued.
Examples from Namibia and the USA
Namibia has developed a safe haven law to curb unsafe infant abandonment and save the lives of infants at risk. In 2019, legislation was passed allowing women who, out of desperation, abandon their babies to be exempt from criminal prosecution. This allows mothers to bring newborn babies and leave them anonymously in a safe place where they can be cared for. It is time for other African nations to adopt similar laws.
America also has safe haven laws, which allow mothers to relinquish unharmed infants to designated safe havens such as hospitals and fire stations. Mothers who follow this process are not penalised or criminally charged with abandonment.
Safe haven laws aim to prevent infant abandonment and infanticide. They provide legal and safe alternatives to leaving children in dangerous or fatal situations and offer hope to parents who may be unable to care for their babies.
Call to action for South Africa
Our national anthem includes the line, “Sounds the call to come together”. This is a call to the nation to come together and save our babies! Here’s how you can get involved:
Share widely and sign the petition
Distribute this article and petition on social media and among your contacts. Click below to sign the petition which will be presented to the Ministry of Social Development.
This article is featured in the June issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 12/05/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from www.freepik.com
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