· A rape survivor says she has struggled to love her child for more than two years after being denied the option to give the baby up.
· The Gauteng Department of Social Development says removing a child from their family is the last option after all other support is explored.
Desperate Gauteng mothers say they have tried to give up their children, but the government refuses to take them into care.
Melita*, a 24-year-old medical student, says she was raped by a friend in January 2023. The attack left her pregnant with her first child — a child she says she finds difficult to love.
“I always knew I did not want to be a mother because I was incapable of raising another human being,” said Melita.
She says she was in shock and disbelief after the rape and did not seek medical help or report it.
“My soul left my body and it was a consent nightmare. I found out months later I was pregnant and it was too late to terminate,” she said.
When she approached social workers at her local clinic to give up the baby, she says they told her she was still in shock and would change her mind.
Months later Melita gave birth at the clinic and went home with the child. She tried another clinic but was again turned away.
“It’s been over two years and no one understands my frustration. Although it’s a crime, I don’t blame women who dump their babies,” she said.
Gauteng Department of Social Development spokesperson Motlhaowa Motsamai denies the allegations. He says safety risk assessments are done and other placement options are explored to keep children with their families.
He says the department works with non-profit groups to provide child protection services focused on prevention, awareness, and early intervention, adding that ”removing a child is the last option” said Motsamai.
Joburg Child Welfare CEO Abubakar Hattas says the government oversees all adoptions and agencies must follow strict rules to support biological mothers.
He says mothers are offered counselling about the adoption process, their rights, and responsibilities. He also called for more awareness campaigns to protect children’s rights and support struggling families.
Pictured above: Baby feet
Image by: Palesa Matlala
