A newborn, believed to be just four hours old, was discovered by a community member abandoned in a refuse bag.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, has condemned the abandonment of a newborn baby found at a dumping site in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban. The baby, believed to be only a few hours old, was discovered by a community member in a refuse bag on Wednesday. After being alerted, the police quickly responded, and the baby was rushed to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in Umlazi for urgent medical care. MEC Shinga expressed her shock and disappointment, stressing that such acts are inhumane, particularly in light of the resources and awareness programs available to support vulnerable mothers and children.
In her statement, Shinga acknowledged the swift action taken by local police, social workers, and the Amanzimtoti community, whose combined efforts helped save the newborn’s life. “With all the awareness of children’s care and the support that has been made available by the government, we are extremely disappointed by this act,” Shinga said. “We are pleased that the child is safe and now in good hands, and we will continue working to ensure that the child’s future care is secured.” She emphasized that the first priority is to locate the baby’s mother, with the department committed to exploring family-based care options such as foster care or adoption if necessary.
The MEC also encouraged members of the public who may find themselves unable to care for their children to reach out to the department’s social workers, available across all 11 districts in the province. “We are looking to strengthen our awareness campaigns and early intervention programs that promote children’s rights,” Shinga added. Her remarks came as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every child is given a safe and nurturing environment, even in difficult circumstances.
Operation Bobbi Bear, which assisted in the rescue, praised the community’s quick response and shared their emotional journey in a heartfelt post on social media. “We all stood around this little angel, hoping she would survive. Slowly, she warmed up and let out a tiny cry. You are now in the best hands possible, and we know you felt the love of the people surrounding you,” the organization said. The Department of Social Development has pledged to work closely with law enforcement to trace the child’s relatives and ensure that justice is served.
