An act of vandalism on Sunday 8 May has left a life-saving baby saver in Steenberg broken and dysfunctional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vital piece of equipment that helps save unwanted newborns from being abandoned or dumped, is not operational to the community until further notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA, said it was deeply disheartening that the baby saver was broken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI feel so disappointed and for this to happen during Child Protection Month, to have a life giving and life saving device vandalised, just for the sake of being vandalised. I am so angry; I have asked around and people are giving information on the incident. I\u2019m asking for the name of the person or persons who broke the baby safe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The incident occurred on Sunday 8 May between 14:00 and 16:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe sensor switches and door (are) broken so it effectively cannot be opened. If you place anything in the safe that is more than 3 kg it closes and the person who broke it, yanked open the door and then tried to close it damaging the sensor and the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing was taken or stolen because it is only a crib and blanket. There is nothing in there to steal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evans says it would cost around R3 000 to fix the lock, money which the non-profit organisation simply does not have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe baby saver protects the mother and baby because it is completely anonymous but we now can\u2019t offer the service until it is fixed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe also need a specialised welder to fix the sensor that is broken. We are in child protection month and we are already seeing so many babies being dumped.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2019, the baby saver has saved the lives of three newborns and their mothers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Busiwe Fente, social auxiliary worker at the centre in Steenberg, said the baby saver unfortunately can\u2019t be opened and will not be operating until further notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt assisted many women who found themselves in a difficult situation, not only women in Steenberg but in surrounding areas as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fente explained how the baby saver worked to protect newborns as well as their mothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce the baby is dropped in our baby saver, that child goes for a medical assessment at Retreat Maternity. We have a good relationship with the local clinic. After that the baby is assessed and goes to a social worker.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have people who enquire on social media, via email and even from other provinces to find out about the baby saver.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philisa Abafazi Bethu runs various programmes in the community aimed at victims of Gender Based violence (GBV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are working with GBV clients that cater for women and children. We also have programmes for the LGBTQIA+ community and unemployed youth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fente added while it is child protection week often not enough was done to protect children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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