In a heartbreaking incident in Verulam on Sunday, a newborn girl was rescued from a stormwater drain, bringing to light the urgent need for increased support for vulnerable mothers. The child was discovered when a passerby noticed what appeared to be an animal trapped near a stormwater drain on Wick Street. Upon investigation, reaction officer Chris Pillay found a black bin bag stuck near the entrance of the drain, with a newborn clinging to the edge, just moments from falling several meters below.
Pillay acted swiftly, removing the bag and rescuing the baby before calling for medical assistance. Paramedics arrived shortly after, attending to the infant by changing her wet and soiled clothing and ensuring she was kept warm with a dry jacket. She was then rushed to Osindisweni Government Hospital for further treatment. The discovery of a cotton swab on the newborn’s arm indicated that she had likely been recently discharged from a medical facility, suggesting a desperate and tragic turn of events for both the mother and child.
The incident has sparked a wave of reflection among child welfare organizations and advocates, who are calling for greater compassion and support for mothers facing overwhelming circumstances. Youandi Gilain, director of Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary and founder of Open Arms SA, emphasized the harsh reality that many mothers in our society are left to cope with feelings of isolation, depression, and fear. These emotions, when left unaddressed, can lead to decisions as tragic as abandoning a child. Gilain urged communities to create a network of care and support, where no mother feels alone or without options. “We need to do better,” she said, calling for a collective effort to ensure that families are supported, and that children are protected from such heartbreaking outcomes.
Jo Teunissen, from The Baby Home in Durban North, also spoke out, questioning the level of desperation that would drive a mother to abandon her newborn in such a perilous manner. While her organization cannot condone the action, Teunissen stressed the importance of understanding the deeper issues that contribute to such decisions. “Something went wrong long before this moment,” she said. It’s not just about condemning an individual act but addressing the systemic failures that leave mothers and children vulnerable. She urged society to ask the hard questions: How can we prevent these situations? What can be done to create a society where no mother feels abandonment is her only option? How do we ensure the protection and well-being of children in the most meaningful way?
The story of this newborn’s rescue serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for compassionate systems that support mothers and protect children. It calls for a shift in how society responds to families in crisis, offering not only safety nets but also empathy, resources, and a community willing to stand in support. Only through collective effort can we hope to ensure that such tragedies become a thing of the past.
