Tebogo Msimanga |
The DA says it noted that 23 226 teenage pregnancies have been reported in Gauteng from April 2020 to March 2021. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development Refiloe Nt’sekhe said this information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomathemba Mokgethi in a written reply to her questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Teenage pregnancy impacts negatively on educational opportunities for young girls, especially those without the proper support and help, and are less likely to finish high school and pursue a career to support their families.
Nt’sekhe added that according to MEC Mokgethi, 934 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 10 to 14 years, 19 316 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 15 to 19 years, while 2976 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years did a Choice on Termination of Pregnancy. In total there were 23 226 teenage pregnancies in Gauteng from April 2020 to March 2021.
“These numbers are sad and incredibly troubling considering that these are young girls still have bright futures ahead of them.”
Teenage pregnancy remains a serious social and health problem in South Africa. It poses a health risk to both mother and child, and it also has social consequences such as continuing the cycle of poverty and early school dropout.
The DA demands that Gauteng Department of Social Development, Department of Education and Department Health intensify their campaigns against teenage pregnancy to 365 days a year and making teenage pregnancy prevention a priority in schools.
