Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 10:23 pm CAT

There is a tragedy of babies that are left abandoned at Gauteng hospitals. A total of 109 babies were left at hospitals last year, compared with 145 babies in 2020 and 56 from January to August this year. These figures were disclosed by the Gauteng Health Department in a written reply to questions put by the DA’s Jack Bloom in the Gauteng Legislature.

The various scenarios may include teenage mothers, lack of resources to raise a child, many mothers being foreigners in the country, broken relationships, and inactive fathers, leaving the mothers feeling like they have no choice.

In conversation with Radio Islam International, the DA’s Jack Bloom said family preservation needs to be encouraged.

“In the broader context, people need jobs and the ability to provide for themselves.”

According to Bloom, in some cases, the mother may give an incorrect address or contact details. Many of the abandoned babies then grow up in an orphanage.

He said the best-case scenario is the adoption or fostering of a family, which is quite tricky.

“People on the one hand struggle to have their own and child, and here we have mothers who abandon their own children.”

He added that teenage pregnancy has gotten out of control. Better education and contraceptive services are needed.

Listen to the interview below with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Jack Bloom on Radio Islam’s podcast.