
Johannesburg – A five-year-old girl, affectionately known as Little Princess, who was born in a Mauritius prison while her South African mother serves a sentence for drug trafficking, has landed at OR Tambo International Airport.
Having spent a considerable part of her early life behind bars, the child was escorted by officials from the department and has safely reached South Africa, where she has been reunited with her grandmother, who will now assume the role of her primary caregiver.
This young girl, whose mother has been in captivity since 2019, met her extended family for the first time upon her arrival on Friday, December 13, 2024.
At the airport, she was warmly greeted by her grandmother, alongside social workers from the department.
In an emotional moment, tears fell as the grandmother and granddaughter recognized each other instantly.
The department revealed that, prior to repatriation, authorities in Mauritius facilitated regular Skype calls between the child and her grandmother to help smooth the transition.
Joyful hugs and heartfelt expressions of affection defined their reunion.
This reunion was made possible by the Department of Social Development, which effectively managed the return of the five-year-old girl.
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Reflecting on the events that led to the child’s separation from her mother, a department official commented: “The mother, unaware that she was one month pregnant, consumed drugs while attempting to smuggle them.”
She was arrested by authorities in Mauritius and has been detained since while awaiting trial.
In reflecting on the success of this mission, Bathembu Futshane, the department’s Acting Chief Director of Communications, stated: “I feel immense pride and gratitude to be part of such a transformative and meaningful story.
“This achievement underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children.”
Precious Mupenzi, Deputy Director of Internal Communications, also shared her thoughts on the mission: “This experience provided invaluable lessons, showcasing South Africa’s dedication to advocating for children’s rights.
“A vital takeaway from this experience is the need to prioritize children in all circumstances to ensure a brighter future.
“I was profoundly moved by the solidarity of women supporting one another, even in tough situations.
“The unity exhibited among the female prison community in Mauritius for the mother and her daughter stands as a powerful testament to what women can achieve together.”
The Department will ensure that the child receives comprehensive protection services to assist her effective adjustment to her new environment.
As stipulated by the Children’s Act, the department is responsible for the repatriation of South African children in distress abroad.
South Africa’s commitment under Section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 is to uphold the best interests of the child.
Section 7(1)(f)(ii) of the Act emphasizes that the Department must ensure that a child “maintains a connection with his or her extended family, culture or tradition.”