Rising malnutrition cases among children in Chatsworth: a growing crisis

THE Child Welfare Chatsworth (CWC) is shining the spotlight on the rising cases of malnutrition among children amid systemic issues contributing to them being hospitilised due to not having sufficient nutrition.

The increase in cases has been attributed to paternal abandonment, poverty, rising food prices, and the breakdown of family structures.

Last week - in a parliamentary response to the DA - Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, said that KZN’s malnutrition figures for children under the age of five remained unacceptably high, with 177 deaths recorded in 2024 alone. 

Motsoaledi said that 59 children had died of moderate acute malnutrition in KZN’s public health facilities, while 118 succumbed due to severe acute malnutrition, which was a figure that has risen by 26% during the past five years.

This year alone, in KZN, eight children have died due to moderate malnutrition, while a further 21 children died of severe malnutrition.

The CWC is dealing with 38 cases of neglect allegations involving children at the risk of, or suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition, since January to date.

This includes children who had been referred to CWC through schools, clinics, telephone call allegations, and home visits. 

“Of these, 15 cases were classified as severe, requiring immediate medical attention and intervention in collaboration with local health facilities and social services. These numbers reflect only the cases we are directly involved in; the true figures in the community are likely higher,” said CWC director, Pranashen Pillay.

He said the number of children experiencing hunger and showing signs of malnutrition in Chatsworth was increasing rapidly.

“We have encountered numerous cases where children have arrived at our offices without having eaten for a day or more. We also have cases of children who are admitted to hospital and are on the brink of death due to severe malnutrition. The situation is serious and requires ongoing support and intervention. 

“We had heart-breaking cases where children have been admitted to hospitals weighing far below the healthy range for their age. They had to be removed from their homes due to neglect or the inability of caregivers to provide basic nutrition. There are also cases where malnourished children are also suffering from physical abuse and neglect, making intervention even more urgent and complex,” he added.

Pillay said families faced a complex web of socio-economic challenges which impacted their ability to provide adequate nutrition because of high unemployment rates, poverty, rising food prices, limited access to social support services, and in some cases, the breakdown of family structures.

“A contributing factor was that many households were headed by single parents or grandparents, who are without stable income. A phenomenon in Chatsworth which is contributing to the most severe cases, is that children are often conceived from casual intercourse and rarely find themselves registered with the Department of Home Affairs. 

“This aggravates the circumstances for the child as they are not eligible for state support or social grants until their birth registrations are processed. The incidents of more than five children per parent is occurring within the Indian community, particularly with younger women between the ages of 20 and 35, who have additional challenges such as substance addiction, a history of family disorganisation or having been orphaned at a young age,” Pillay added.

The absence of a father and paternal support to children was also a factor leading to children not having adequate nutrition, he said.

“The culture of paternal abandonment has become a well-defined challenge to raising children. Mothers are generally young, have not yet completed school, and are dependent on their families or partners for financial support. New male partners are not willing to care for children they have no relation with. This often even exacerbates the circumstances for previous children who are subjected to intentional neglect whilst the biological child of the current male partner enjoys complete support from both parents,” he said.

CWC has poverty alleviation programmes, where they distribute food hampers to families in need, and they also host an indigent sandwich distribution programme at primary schools.

“We support children from poor homes who don’t come to school with lunch. Malnutrition impairs every aspect of a child’s development. Physically, it stunts growth and weakens bones and muscles. Cognitively, it delays mental development, making it harder for children to learn and thrive in school. Malnourished children may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and isolation. It also compromises their immune system, making them vulnerable to infections and diseases, and in severe cases, it can lead to death,” Pillay said.

Cyril Pillay, a spiritual leader in Chatsworth, said the figures released by the Health Department was not “just figures”.

“They represent real children, real families, and a crisis that is unfolding before our very eyes. Many households survive on social grants alone, which are not enough. Children often go to school without breakfast or lunch, and some return home to empty pots. 

“We intervened when children fainted at school due to hunger. We have assisted children from single-parent households where the mother is unemployed and cannot afford milk formula. We also support children on chronic medication who require proper nutrition to avoid further complications,” Pillay added.

He said religious organisations were often the first point of call for struggling families. 

“High unemployment rates, especially among youth and single parents, as well as inflation and the rising cost of basic goods are leading to the suffering of children.

“We are regularly approached for food parcels, assistance with baby formula, or simply for a warm meal. Religious organisations across denominations are stepping in with feeding schemes, food banks, and support networks. Churches, mosques, and temples in our area run soup kitchens, school lunch programs, and emergency food relief efforts. Faith-based organisations are also partnering with non-government organisations and community groups to expand their reach, but the need continues to grow” he said.

He said a multi-layered approach was needed to address the crisis.

“Government must prioritise early childhood nutrition, fund school meal programs properly, and support job creation. Businesses must invest in community upliftment and food security programs. Churches and civil society must continue to act as watchdogs and service providers, expanding their efforts.

“Community members must be empowered through education, employment opportunities, and support for mental health and addiction issues. Ultimately, this is a moral issue. We must work together, as people of faith, citizens, and leaders, to ensure no child in our province goes to bed hungry,” Pillay said.

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