An act of vandalism on Sunday 8 May has left a life-saving baby saver in Steenberg broken and dysfunctional.
The vital piece of equipment that helps save unwanted newborns from being abandoned or dumped, is not operational to the community until further notice.
Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA, said it was deeply disheartening that the baby saver was broken.
“I 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’m asking for the name of the person or persons who broke the baby safe.”
The incident occurred on Sunday 8 May between 14:00 and 16:00.
“The 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.
“Nothing was taken or stolen because it is only a crib and blanket. There is nothing in there to steal.”
Evans says it would cost around R3 000 to fix the lock, money which the non-profit organisation simply does not have.
“The baby saver protects the mother and baby because it is completely anonymous but we now can’t offer the service until it is fixed.
“We 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.”
Since 2019, the baby saver has saved the lives of three newborns and their mothers.
Busiwe Fente, social auxiliary worker at the centre in Steenberg, said the baby saver unfortunately can’t be opened and will not be operating until further notice.
“It assisted many women who found themselves in a difficult situation, not only women in Steenberg but in surrounding areas as well.”
Fente explained how the baby saver worked to protect newborns as well as their mothers.
“Once 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.”
“We have people who enquire on social media, via email and even from other provinces to find out about the baby saver.”
Philisa Abafazi Bethu runs various programmes in the community aimed at victims of Gender Based violence (GBV).
“We are working with GBV clients that cater for women and children. We also have programmes for the LGBTQIA+ community and unemployed youth.”
Fente added while it is child protection week often not enough was done to protect children.
