Baby found floating in Muizenberg Sea given second chance at life!
Photo Cred: Supplied | On File

A community have rallied around a newborn baby boy who was found floating in the Muizenberg Sea.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (18 December 2018) – Jasmine* was walking along Sunrise beach near Muizenberg about two weeks ago when she noticed what she thought was a green plastic bag floating in the sea. Thinking of the damage that plastic is doing to our oceans, she decided to wade in and grab it in order to throw it away.

Much to her utter disbelief, when she opened the bag, she found a tiny newborn baby boy inside!

The little child was blue from the icy seas but still breathing. A Fisherman nearby heard Jasmine’s screams and phoned Emergency services who arrived at the scene very quickly. They rushed the newborn to Mowbray Maternity Hospital to give him the urgent care he required.

A case is being investigated by the Police and Child Welfare is handling this little miracle’s future but the local community has rallied around him, to give him a second chance at life.

Janet Perrot, a local resident, heard about the story and immediately went to the hospital to see how she could assist the newborn but for security reasons was not permitted to see him.

“The Nursing sister told me that the little baby is doing remarkably well but they had 4 abandoned babies and little “Sunrise” is one of them. She also told me that when they discharge him they can only give him a bottle of milk but he will need clothes.”

Janet immediately contacted a group of friends and appealed for baby clothes, nappies, bum cream and all the things that a newborn would need.

“Well I was bowled over by the response!!! Beautiful new outfits for a baby, lots of nappies and so many baby grows. One of the Baby grows has the words in the front saying “Be Brave Little One” How special is that! Also fluffy teddy bears arrived as well. In fact I am thrilled there is enough now for all 4 abandoned babies.”

The concerned resident has been in touch with the Social Worker at Child Welfare who is handling little “Sunrise’s” case. She is a lovely caring person and is recording a special history of this amazing boy. He is still in the hospital undergoing various tests but when he is discharged, he will be placed with what is called a Kangaroo mother… someone willing to care for the newborn until a suitable foster home is found. This process will take approximately three months.

His name has not been registered yet but Janet has put in a request for him to be called Christopher Moses.

“Because it’s Christmas time and St Christopher is the patron saint of travellers and this little fellow has a long journey ahead of him. Moses was also found in a basket so it seems a good second name. Both names start with Christ which for me as a Christian is wonderfully appropriate.”

Janet contacted the social worker to collect all the baby goods. They arrived at her cottage and took away the many bags of clothes and nappies.

“I feel a huge sense of enormous gratitude to all the people who have responded so generously and also very grateful for the social worker who is a very caring and experienced person and has offered to keep me and my friends in touch with his progress.

Let us all remember little miracle “Sunrise” in our prayers this Christmas as well as all those babies who are abandoned. The desperate mothers also need prayers, so do the Social Workers who take great care of them. Oh yes and the Kangaroo Mums and the Foster parents who are reaching out in such a practical way to help these abandoned children.”

Child abandonment continues to be a major challenge in South Africa. Every year it is estimated that 3,500 children are abandoned and this figure refers only to the children who survive. Of these survivors, 90% are under the age of one. They are left alone and defenceless.

If you want to help abandoned babies in any way, please contact The Door of Hope or The Teddy Bear Clinic for more info.

Jasmine* name changed for privacy.


Sources: Good Things Guy Interview
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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