Slay Queen Abandons Her Children and Runs Away with SASSA Card: The Outrage, The Debate, and The Untold Truth
The internet was shaken recently by a video posted on The Daily Mgosi channel, capturing a shocking incident: a young mother, often labeled as a “slay queen,” abandoned her three children and allegedly ran away with their SASSA card, a government-issued grant card meant for child support.
The video quickly went viral, sparking fierce debates and emotional outpourings across social media platforms. As the story unfolded, it became clear that this was not just a tale of individual failure, but a mirror reflecting deeper societal issues.
The SASSA card, at the heart of this controversy, is more than just a piece of plastic. It represents a lifeline for millions of vulnerable children in South Africa, providing monthly government grants to families in need.
When a mother absconds with it, she isn’t just taking money—she’s stripping her children of the basic necessities and security they deserve.
The outrage was immediate. Comments flooded in, demanding justice, accountability, and intervention from authorities.
Many viewers called for harsh legal consequences. “We need a prison for women who steal child grant money for their fame,” wrote one commenter, echoing the sentiment that child endangerment must be met with real punishment.
Others insisted that the children be taken to a safe place before further harm could occur, and suggested that the SASSA card be handed to a responsible family member, such as the mother’s sister.
The debate quickly expanded beyond the actions of one woman to include broader questions of parental responsibility and the effectiveness of social services.
But the public reaction wasn’t just about condemnation. Some voices emerged to criticize the way the situation was handled, both by the media and by those intervening on the scene.
As the video showed, the mother was confronted, and allegations surfaced that she was beaten during the encounter.
“She’s wrong for leaving her kids, but they don’t have a right to beat her up,” one viewer commented, noting the visible bruises on her hand and shoulder.
This sparked a secondary debate: Does public shaming and physical assault help resolve such crises, or does it simply compound the trauma?
The ethics of public shaming were fiercely contested. Some argued that exposing the mother’s actions to the world would serve as a deterrent, while others worried that it would only push her further into despair and make it harder for her to seek help.
“Condemning her like this in public doesn’t change the person to become better; they become worse,” wrote another viewer, calling for more private, compassionate approaches to such cases.
The absence of the children’s father was another focal point. “Where is the father of her kids?” asked several commenters, demanding that he be held accountable as well.
The narrative of single motherhood, especially when things go wrong, often places the burden solely on women, while men’s responsibilities are overlooked.
This incident reignited discussions about the need for fathers to step up, for society to hold all parents to account, and for government agencies to ensure that children are truly protected.
Underlying all these debates is the issue of mental health. Depression, desperation, and lack of support were mentioned repeatedly in the comment threads.
“Depression yaeng. Nkabe aenaganne before aetsa bana,” read one post, suggesting that the mother’s mental state should be considered before passing judgment.
The reality is that many parents in similar situations are struggling with unseen battles. Poverty, social isolation, and emotional distress can drive people to make choices that seem incomprehensible from the outside.
So, what can be done to prevent tragedies like this from recurring?
The video and its aftermath highlight the urgent need for more robust social services, better mental health support, and community-based interventions.
Instead of relying solely on punitive measures, there must be systems in place to identify families in distress early and offer meaningful assistance.
Child protection should not be reactive; it should be proactive, with trained professionals who can assess risk, mediate family disputes, and provide counseling.
Moreover, the role of the community cannot be understated. The outrage expressed online is a sign that people care deeply about the welfare of children.
If harnessed constructively, this energy can lead to grassroots initiatives, neighborhood support networks, and advocacy for policy changes.
Education campaigns can help parents understand their rights and responsibilities, and destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues.
In the end, the story of the slay queen who abandoned her children and ran away with the SASSA card is not just about one mother’s mistake.
It is about the cracks in the system, the gaps in support, and the need for compassion as well as accountability.
As the video continues to circulate, it is up to society to decide whether to respond with outrage and punishment—or with understanding, reform, and hope for a better future for all children.
What will we choose? The answer may determine not only the fate of one family, but the direction of an entire community.
