Babies and begging

To Concerned: if you see women begging with children (YOU Say, 30 November) you can contact the police, or if you have a baby sanctuary in your area they’ll take up the cause.

A lot of these women hire the children for the day as they say having one with them means they get more money from people. It’s totally unsafe and I agree it’s a form of abuse.

My friend reported one such case last week in our area and within half an hour the child had been removed and the woman got a stern warning never to do that again. ALSO CONCERNED, EMAIL

SThe only people who can do something about this situation is the law. Sorry to sound crude but these children are used as money magnets to attract people who feel sorry for them.

Don’t encourage them by giving money. Rather give your money to a welfare organisation that feeds the poor. Or give it to car guards who try to earn money for their family.

Did you know car guards have to pay about R20 a day for the use of the uniform and they never own it? At least they work – and that in the wind, rain and hot sun. FATIMA, EMAIL Concerned, your privilege is showing. Child abuse? Really? Where would you like them to leave their children? If they’re begging it’s unlikely they have money for daycare.

Perhaps you could take care of one of the children for the day instead of just calling the authorities. BARELY ABOVE THE BREADLINE, EMAIL Imagine being so desperate that you have to have a baby with you in the hot sun all day while you beg for scraps, even if the baby isn’t yours. It’s just so sad. CYNTHIA, EMAIL