The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities urges a united national effort to address teenage pregnancy affecting many South African teens. Despite a slight decline in recent years, nearly 30% of teenagers report having been pregnant, an alarmingly high rate.
Teenage pregnancy remains a complex and deeply rooted social issue, with 95% of cases occurring in developing countries. In South Africa, the challenge spans all provinces, with rural areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape experiencing the highest rates.
The department emphasised that teenage pregnancy is not a challenge that can be resolved by a single government department. Effective intervention requires collaboration across the health, education, and social development sectors. This includes the promotion of sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and comprehensive sex education in schools.
Contributing factors include socio-economic hardship, limited access to education, cultural norms, and early sexual activity. The consequences are far-reaching, often trapping young mothers in a cycle of poverty, particularly in homes where support structures are lacking.
To break this cycle, the department urged families and communities to take an active role in fostering open conversations about sex, relationships, and the risks of early pregnancy. Community support is vital to help teenage mothers stay in school and complete their education.
“This is not a problem one sector can solve alone,” Cassius Selala, the department’s spokesperson stated. “Government, families, schools, and communities must work together to empower young people with knowledge and support to make informed choices about their future.”
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