Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
22 December 2023 | 11:08 a.m. CAT
2-min read

Picture: News24

A report published by Statistics On Children in South Africa indicates that there are 2,8 million orphaned children in South Africa. This is 14% of all children in the country.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, social worker Pieter Schrieber from Rata, a welfare organisation in South Africa, discussed the critical challenges faced by orphaned children in the country.

The interview highlights that 64% of orphans are paternal orphans, and over 400 000 children have lost both parents. This has placed immense strain on foster homes, with child and youth care centres (CYCC) at full capacity, making it difficult to find suitable placements for these vulnerable children.

One of the significant concerns discussed in the interview was the recent ban on baby savers by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The directive declared all baby savers in the province illegal, raising mixed emotions and sparking discussions about the implications for child welfare.

Schrieber outlined the alternative approach, urging mothers in difficult situations not to resort to abandoning their babies but to seek assistance from social welfare offices. The focus is on providing preventive services, exploring adoption, and finding suitable solutions to support mothers and their children.

Schrieber explained the difference between fostering and adopting a child, “Foster care is a temporary placement of a child who is in need of care and protection. The purpose of foster care is to temporarily protect and nurture a child who has been found in need of care.”

The main objective is to reunite foster children with their parents.

There is an increasing need for more foster parents in South Africa. Schrieber outlined the criteria for individuals interested in becoming foster parents, emphasising the importance of willingness and a clean criminal record.

Addressing the complexities of fostering, the interview explored the challenges of placing children into homes that respect their race, religion, and cultural background. Despite the difficulties, the commitment to finding suitable matches for children remains a priority.

For those interested in contributing to the cause or learning more about Rata’s programs, the organisation’s website provides a platform for inquiries and involvement. The interview serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collective efforts to provide a brighter future for South Africa’s orphaned children.

Listen to the full interview on the Daily Round Up with Muallimah Annisa Essack.