A Durban mother is devastated that her pregnant teenager is being suspended from school until next year, after her baby is born.

It is alleged that the 16-year-old Grade 9 pupil from a school in Clermont, was “expelled” as the school code of conduct allegedly doesn’t allow pregnant pupils on the premises.

Speaking to The Witness, her mother said her wish is for her daughter to be given an opportunity to pass or fail on her own and not be forced to drop out just because she fell pregnant.

“I found out that my child is pregnant in April. I gave her a letter to hand over to her class teacher stating that she is pregnant. I didn’t get any feedback from the school. She continued to attend as normal,” said the mother.

Last week, her daughter came back home with a letter stating that the principal wanted to see her at 08:00.

“The letter said that if I don’t make it, my child will not be allowed to attend classes. I went to the school but the principal didn’t show up.”

“The deputy principal asked why I was there. I told him that since my child is five months pregnant and [her bump is not showing yet]. I made an appeal for her to be allowed to continue attending classes as normal up until examination times. I also asked that after she gave birth in September, she could be allowed to come back to school,” she said.

The deputy principal took her number and promised to get the principal to contact her.

“The principal then sent a letter stating that I should report to the school to resolve the matter. When I returned, the principal told me that the school doesn’t allow children to attend classes when they are pregnant.

“He said if he allows my child to attend school, he will have to do the same for other pupils who find themselves in a similar situation,” she said.

The mother added that she was then told that they will take her child out of school for the duration of this year’s academic programme.

“[He said] she should come back next year. I asked if she can be allowed to write examinations, even though she won’t be attending classes. He told me that she will only be allowed on the premises if she is accompanied by someone. I felt defeated as I am working so there’s no one who can assist. The child is at home now.”

“We don’t condone our children falling pregnant. It just happened and I can’t change it. I have to accept it. I am worried that she will be repeating the same grade next year.”

The DA responds

The DA has called on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education MEC, Mbali Frazer to intervene.

“The DA condemns this repugnant discrimination,” said DA KZN spokesperson on education, Dr Imran Keeka. “It is not only a vile response to an already difficult situation, it is a horrific violation of this young woman’s rights.

“Teenage pregnancies are among the causes for massive school dropouts. They must not be used as a barrier to accessing education, let alone the reason for expulsion. It is a criminal act and has the potential to destroy young girls’ futures. The MEC must act,” added Keeka.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department would intervene to ensure the child goes back to school.

He added that teenage pregnancy is a problem in schools.

“We have many pupils who fall pregnant. Statistics tell us that they find it hard to finish school. This is because the child demands her at home and they get distracted at school,” Mahlambi said.

“We want children to know that whilst we speak about rights, there are also responsibilities,” he added.