Johannesburg – A five-year-old girl, affectionately called Little Princess, has arrived at OR Tambo International Airport after being born in a prison in Mauritius, where her South African mother is serving time for drug trafficking.

Having spent much of her early life in confinement, the child was accompanied by department officials and safely made her way to South Africa, reuniting with her grandmother, who will now serve as her primary caregiver.

This young girl, whose mother has been in custody since 2019, met her extended family for the first time upon her arrival on Friday, December 13, 2024.

At the airport, she received a heartfelt welcome from her grandmother, accompanied by social workers from the department.

In a touching moment, tears flowed as the grandmother and granddaughter instantly recognized each other.

The department shared that before the repatriation, regular Skype calls were organized by authorities in Mauritius to help facilitate a smoother transition between the child and her grandmother.

Their reunion was filled with joyful embraces and expressions of love.

This heartwarming reunion was made possible by the Department of Social Development, which effectively coordinated the return of the five-year-old girl.

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In regard to the circumstances surrounding the child’s separation from her mother, a department official remarked: “The mother, unaware that she was one month pregnant, ingested drugs while attempting to smuggle them.”

She was arrested by law enforcement in Mauritius and has been detained while awaiting trial.

Reflecting on the success of this initiative, Bathembu Futshane, the department’s Acting Chief Director of Communications, shared: “I feel immense pride and gratitude to be part of such a transformative and significant story.”

“This accomplishment underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children.”

Precious Mupenzi, Deputy Director of Internal Communications, also expressed her thoughts on the mission: “This experience was an invaluable learning moment, demonstrating South Africa’s commitment to championing children’s rights.

“A key lesson from this mission is the need to prioritize children in all circumstances to ensure a brighter future.

“I was profoundly touched by the strength of women supporting each other, even in difficult situations.

“The solidarity shown by the female prison community in Mauritius towards the mother and her daughter was a powerful example of what women can accomplish together.”

The Department is committed to providing the child with comprehensive protection services to facilitate her smooth transition into her new environment.

In accordance with the Children’s Act, the department is tasked with repatriating South African children in distress abroad.

South Africa has a obligation under Section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 to ensure the best interests of the child are upheld.

Section 7(1)(f)(ii) of the Act mandates that the Department ensure that a child “maintains a connection with his or her extended family, culture or tradition.”