Two recent tragic discoveries mere days apart have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive support systems targeting women and teenagers in impoverished areas, focusing on maternal health and crisis pregnancy support.
The most recent of the discoveries was made in Strand earlier this week, where police opened an inquest docket after a community member reported a distressing scene in the Allan Boesak informal settlement around 18:00 on Sunday (19 October).
According to a police report, the witness reported seeing the neighbour’s dog eating the remains of a human fetus.
The horrific find was preceded by a similar one in the Pholile Park informal settlement just last month (September). Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, spokesperson for Lwandle police, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Tuesday 30 September.
“Police immediately attended the scene where they found the body of a newborn. Medical personnel were called and pronounced the infant dead. The area was secured for investigation.”
Gama added that police have opened an inquest docket and urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Lwandle police detectives branch on 021 845 2060.
Support makes life-saving difference
Amanda-Lea Jones, co-founder of Khethani Women’s Wellness Centre in Somerset West, expressed deep concern following the macabre discoveries, particularly given the organisation’s comprehensive support services and the operation of the Helderberg Baby Saver.
“It’s heartbreaking to learn about unsafe abandonment, especially near our Baby Saver facility,” Jones said.
“We can only imagine the overwhelming emotions – fear, despair, and shame – compounded by lack of support from healthcare systems, partners and families.”
Khethani provides counselling and safe pregnancy options, including adoption, foster care and abortion services. The organisation educates communities about the Baby Saver as a critical last resort for crisis pregnancies.
“We don’t advocate the use of the Baby Saver other than a last resort for those in crisis,” Jones emphasised. “Our goal is providing safer alternatives for women to try and prevent them from reaching the stage of crisis.”
Since 2014 the Helderberg Baby Saver has facilitated 16 safe relinquishments, with babies placed in adoptive or reunified families. The 24-hour facility at Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre in Somerset West allows anonymous relinquishment, with babies medically checked and placed for adoption through Wandisa Child Protection and Adoption Agency. “Each represents a life saved,” Jones noted.
Khethani serves diverse clients through its 24-hour crisis line (072 412 1863), including women abandoned by partners, sexual assault survivors or threatened teens. The organisation offers school workshops, supports teen mothers’ education and partners with hospitals, security services and child-protection agencies.
“Socio-economic challenges drive most crisis pregnancies,” Jones explained. “Increased community support could significantly reduce unwanted pregnancies.”
All services are free, though donations support skills workshops and baby items. The community can help by sharing awareness, displaying posters and providing financial support.
Despite the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s attempts to criminalise Baby Savers, not to mention a court order allowing operations until January 2026, Jones called for public objections before Saturday 25 October to protect these life-saving services that provide safe, anonymous relinquishment and prevent unsafe infant abandonment.
Objections can be emailed to matlhogonolos@dsd.gov.za, ntopot@dsd.gov.za or luyandamt@dsd.gov.za.
‘You are not alone’
City of Cape Town Health clinics provide free antenatal care to all expectant mothers, including those in crisis situations and undocumented foreign nationals. Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, urged women to seek care before 12 weeks. This is delivered through community health workers, mobile services, NGO partnerships and adolescent-friendly programmes.
Crisis pregnancies receive confidential counselling, clinical assessment, emergency contraception and referrals to termination services per national legislation. Women are connected to social services, mental health support and gender-based violence services.
“In terms of financial assistance, pregnant women can access child-support grants, social welfare services and NGO support,” said Higham. “Social services provide assistance with food parcels, housing and emergency support through the [provincial] Department of Social Development.”
Emergency obstetric care operates 24/7, managing complications with Emergency Medical Services coordination.
“If a woman gives birth unexpectedly outside a health facility, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately,” Higham said. “Health workers provide post-natal check-ups for mother and baby, including assessment of maternal bleeding, uterine tone and vital signs, newborn resuscitation if needed and referral to hospital for any complications. Women are advised on safe birth practices, and health workers follow up at home to provide postnatal support.”
Community-outreach campaigns address pregnancy dangers, birth preparedness and nutrition through health worker visits and partnerships. School partnerships include sexual education and teen counselling. Future initiatives include expanding mobile clinics, online booking and enhanced mental-health integration.
“You are not alone, please visit your nearest City clinic or call for help,” Hingham implored. “Clinics provide free confidential antenatal care and can link you to clinical, mental-health and social support. Early contact saves lives.”
Those facing pregnancy-related crises, can contact these 24/7 hotlines or emergency contact numbers:
• Ambulance / Emergency Medical Services: 10177;
• SADAG: 011 234 4837 / 0800 21 22 23 / 0800 70 80 90
• Lifeline: 0861 322 322;
• FAMSA: 011 975 7106/7;
• Childline SA: 116;
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 / 1207867#;
• National Shelter Movement of SA: 0800 001 005;
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 0861 435 722;
• Women’s Legal Centre: 021 424 5660;
• Rape Crisis (Thuthuzela Care Centres):
– Afrikaans: 021 633 9229
– isiXhosa: 021 361 9085
– English: 021 447 9762
– WhatsApp: 083 222 5164
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