The tragic death of a four-month-old baby at a daycare center in Johannesburg has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the African diaspora community. The infant, identified as Mbuso, reportedly died after a caretaker at the Happy Owl Daycare Center attempted to feed him by placing a full bottle of formula in his mouth, leaving him unattended while caring for other children.
The incident occurred on a Wednesday, shortly after Mbuso’s mother dropped him off. She received a distressing phone call informing her that her child was not breathing. The family is now awaiting postmortem results to determine the cause of death, while they express doubts about the daycare’s transparency regarding the tragic event.
In a heartfelt TikTok video, Mbuso’s aunt pleaded for answers, highlighting a timeline that raises questions about the daycare’s actions. “They only called us at half-past three, yet the incident happened at half-past two. What were they doing for an entire hour?” she questioned, reflecting the family’s frustration and grief.
The African National Congress Youth League has urged concerned parents to withdraw their children from the facility until further investigations are completed. The aunt’s emotional testimony has also drawn attention to broader issues of negligence and alleged discrimination within white-owned daycare centers, asserting that inadequate staffing and training may have contributed to the tragedy.
Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage reportedly show that the daycare staff attempted to revive Mbuso but failed to seek immediate medical help. The family’s frustration was compounded when representatives from the daycare allegedly dismissed their inquiries as “unnecessary.”
As the investigation continues, calls for accountability and justice for Mbuso have intensified, with many in the community demanding a thorough examination of the daycare’s practices and the qualifications of its staff. This heartbreaking incident has reignited discussions around safety and care in childcare facilities, particularly those serving marginalized communities.