Moved by the discovery of a live infant buried near a Methodist Church building, its members have raised R15,000 towards the baby boy’s needs.
The members, led by women, launched the Nonceba Foundation where people can donate towards the needs of the child in Dikeni, Cala.
In February, the church’s steward, Mbuyiselo Manyonga, tried to find the source of muffled cries he heard while preparing for the Sunday service.
He thought it was a cat in distress.
However, what he found in a shallow grave inside an incomplete building next to the church, was not someone’s pet, but a newborn boy.
The baby, found with his umbilical cord still attached, was treated at Indwe Hospital and has since been placed in a place of safety.
The whereabouts of his mother are unknown.
Rev Zandisile Mngcita of Methodist Church circuit 324 said they had raised the money as a seed fund to support the child since he had been found on their property.
“He has no-one to look after his needs.”
Mngcita said it was at a women’s convention that the funds were raised.
“We appreciate the visit made by the MEC. They gave an update that the child is doing well.
“We are aware they couldn’t reveal the whereabouts of the child.”
As a token of appreciation, social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta and others pledged to help rebuild the church building where the baby was found.
Khula Development Trust children’s rights activist Petros Majola said: “This one has really touched me, to see them get close to the child.
“The church developed a love for the child. I also mentioned to social development that the church people should be given first preference when it comes to adopting the child.
“Should the mother be found, we will call for no bail and a harsh sentence so that others who think of doing the same thing are aware of the consequences.”
Fanta and other local politicians, in their personal capacity, pledged 50 corrugated iron sheets and 40 bags of cement last week.
“This is a great initiative by the church and we are glad the child will be taken care of,” she said.
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“Dysfunctional families are characterised by conflict, instability, child abuse, absent parents, strained relationships as well as inadequate resources that negatively affect family structures and roles.”
To avoid these, Fanta said her department would strengthen family programmes.
“The child has been placed in care and is safe. The department is following all processes to ensure the child finds permanent and safe care.”
DispatchLIVE
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