A special initiative took place initiative took place at Batswaneng in Khutsong near the informal settlement at Chawela on February 7.

The corner-to-corner activation was meant to raise community awareness in regards to teenage pregnancy. The initiative was organised by Zodwa Ngxezana. The Department of Health noticed a high rate of teenage pregnancies in Merafong.

“We realised that an 11-year-old child was pregnant and we decided to advocate prevention after seeing the need for awareness,” Ngxezana expressed.

Different stakeholders were involved and offered various services such as family planning, child health services, chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, and STI screening. The activation is the start of a series of initiatives that will be taking place across Merafong to ensure the entire community is aware of the services.

The Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs played a role in mobilising people to participate in the initiative. The Department of Health invited COGTA to distribute door-to-door information.

The Gender and Disability office worked with issues related to GBV and teenage pregnancy.

The HIV/AIDS office also went door to door through ward-based volunteers who educated people and conducted referrals to different departments.

The Department of Community Safety was also part of the initiative. She concluded by mentioning that the initiative is meant to encourage everyone in the community to find a solution to the issue as it takes a village to raise a child.