Clinicians from Witkoppen Clinic share insights on rising teenage pregnancies

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing concern in South Africa, with far-reaching consequences for young women, their families, and communities.

Clinicians from Witkoppen Clinic, a facility dedicated to providing adolescent and youth friendly services, shared their unique perspective, expertise, and insights on addressing teenage pregnancy, from prevention and support, to empowerment and education.

Thembi Makhombothi, the head of the preventative department, emphasised the importance of thoroughly screening young patients to understand the circumstances surrounding their pregnancies – whether planned, unplanned, or the result of sexual violence.

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She said based on this initial assessment, they refer cases to social services, who conduct home visits and provide ongoing support for teenage mothers.

“For many of these girls, the contributing factors stem from a lack of communication within their families, and the influence of their environments. As a team, we focus on educating young women about family planning, while offering them emotional support. We also aim to involve parents and fathers in these conversations, as their encouragement is critical to creating a strong support system.”

A cornerstone of this effort is the clinic’s Fresh Start Programme, which equips young mothers with the tools they need to navigate parenthood confidently.

Caroline Nkwana, the head of the social service department, shared her observations on teenage pregnancy. She admits that it is often caused by a lack of information among both parents and children.

She said many parents and children feel uncomfortable discussing topics like sex, which can have long-term emotional consequences. Additionally, poverty and unemployment often drive children to engage in risky behaviour, which can lead to teenage pregnancies.

“Our duty, as a social service team, is to conduct assessments and evaluations to determine whether statutory rape has occurred. However, in many cases, families choose to handle the situation traditionally, where the partner pays damages. This cultural approach often discourages parents from reporting cases, making it difficult to take legal action.

“It is our responsibility to assist where we can. We provide clothing and food assistance to ease the burden on affected families.”

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Nkwana believes that peer education and support groups are essential, not only within their facility but also in the broader community. “It is important for all of us to stand together and fight this issue collectively.”

Working closely with girls aged 13 to 19, Anzani Mukhavhuli has witnessed a concerning rise in teenage pregnancies in recent years. Many of these young women, she explained, are overwhelmed by fear and confusion, unsure of how to care for themselves or their unborn children.

“Their unique needs require a tailored approach. Many come from challenging environments or lack education on sexual health, which contributes to their vulnerability. My priority is to empower them with accurate information about pregnancy, motherhood, and prevention, knowledge they often don’t receive in schools.”

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