By REGINALD KANYANE
2 May 2025- The baby who was abandoned at Ext 4, in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof, will be under the care of social workers. According to the North West Department of Health in Bloemhof, the new-born baby was discovered by a community member on 28 April 2025 at around 8:40pm, and called the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The North West Department of Health (Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District) spokesperson, Omphile Morwaagae said upon arrival, the EMS discovered a cold and fatigued baby boy dressed in a red t-shirt and wrapped in a blanket behind a rock. Morwaagae said after assessment, they immediately ferried him to Bloemhof Community Healthcare Centre, where he received medical attention.
“Nurses provided care and took the baby’s vital signs. They also ensured that he was examined by doctors. The department confirms that the baby is in good health and high spirits.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the North West Department of Social Development were promptly informed and appropriate procedures are being followed,” he said.
Morwaagae further said the North West Department of Social Development has now made arrangements and secured a safe and temporary home for the child. He added that the baby will soon be transferred there as he is not currently admitted as a departmental patient.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, commended the Department of Social Development (Lekwa-Teemane Service Point), the Department of Health (Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District, SAPS in Bloemhof and ward 2 councillor, Mapaseka Mongalane from the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, for their collaborative efforts in addressing this distressing situation.
Dantjie emphasized that such service-driven initiatives strengthen community trust and confidence in the government.
“This is exactly the kind of unity and collaboration the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) envisages when encouraging the people to build the province together.
“We express gratitude for the swift and coordinated efforts that ensured the young boy would spend many more nights in a safe home. At this stage, the child’s parents, family, or next of kin remain unidentified and efforts to locate them are underway,” she said.
Dantjie said the public is encouraged to assist in locating them by contacting the department via Facebook at Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District or calling 078 302 0075 / 078 274 0568. She said those who would like to provide additional support can reach out to Childline South Africa at 0800 055 555 or 116, which is a free helpline dedicated to protecting children from all forms of violence and promoting a culture of children’s rights in South Africa.
The Guardian 