The Republic of Mauritius has officially handed over a five-year-old girl to South African government officials. The girl’s mother is currently imprisoned in a Mauritius prison for drug trafficking.
Emotional handover
The Department of Social Development in partnership with the South African diplomatic mission in Mauritius, has been putting in a lot of effort over the last three years to reunite the little girl with her mother’s family. The girl has been living with her South African mother at the prison in Mauritius for the past five years since her birth.
In an emotional handover on Thursday, 12 December 2024, the mother and daughter hugged and kissed as the minor left her mother behind at the gates of Beau Bassin Prison. ‘It is painful to see her go, but I know it’s for the best for her future,’ said her mother.
The mother has been waiting for her trial since her arrest for drug trafficking in 2019.
As the little girl left the prison, the female South Africans incarcerated at the Beau Bassin Prison stood in a guard of honour to see the girl off as she began the journey back home.
Girl’s ECD teacher
“It is sad to see her go, but we are also happy for her, and we understand that it is time to let her go so she can grow with her family and in her country,” said the girl’s Early Childhood Development teacher. The teacher commented that the girl was very close to her own daughter and occasionally asked to go on play dates with her.
She described the child as independent and mature beyond her age. The girl helped the teacher to pack up things in class and always offered assistance.
Starting her new life in South Africa
South Africa is mandated by section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 to protect the best interests of the child. Section 7(1)(f)(ii) of the Act mandates that the Department must ensure that a child ‘maintains a connection with his or her extended family, culture or tradition’.
Government officials handed over the girl to her grandmother from the North West. The grandmother said the return of the child is the greatest Christmas present for her and her family.
“The timing of her repatriation could not be more ideal as it ensures that she will be able to join us as a family and start school without delay.”
Girl’s grandmother
What effect do you think living with her mom in prison for five years has had on the girl?
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