South Africa is facing a deeply painful crisis, the abandonment of newborn babies in places where
they should never have to be found, from rubbish bins and open spaces to bridges and beaches. Behind every
abandoned baby is a story, and while the act itself is heartbreaking, we also have to ask a difficult question,
what drives a mother to feel that abandoning her newborn is her only option? Is it poverty, an unwanted
pregnancy, fear, abuse, stigma, lack of family support, or simply not knowing where to turn? And are we
doing enough to support women who find themselves in crisis before they reach that point? Kefentse Mkhari
is in conversation with mental health, Mfundo Ntandane.