The Inkatha Freedom Party expresses deep concern at the growing number of babies being abandoned, dumped in storm water drains, rubbish bins and other public spaces.
This comes after yet another new born baby was found in a drain a few meters from the child welfare offices in Chatsworth south of Durban this past week.
“On a day when the temperature was over 35 degrees, this baby was found, wrapped like a parcel and thrown into the drain. Unfortunately the child did not survive. This growing trend that is becoming evident in many communities across the province must be a source for concern and needs to be addressed with a sense of urgency. The Department of Social Development needs to embark on an intensive public awareness campaign to highlight this social and moral crisis. With the “16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children” approaching, I urge the Department to ensure that abandoning babies take centre stage in the campaign. We cannot look away as this blight on our morality continues unabated. Whilst we acknowledge that social factors such as unemployment and the economic downturn are contributory factors, people need to take the necessary steps to prevent unplanned pregnancies,” said Hon Les Govender, IFP Spokesperson on Social Development.
The IFP calls on all community and faith based organizations to ensure that this social evil is addressed. Such organizations have captive audiences through which effective communication and awareness can take place thereby preventing further loss of innocent lives.
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Contact:
Hon Les Govender MPL
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Social Development
082 4488787