122 000 teen mothers recorded across South Africa

In the past financial year, a staggering 122 000 South African teenagers gave birth, 2 716 of whom were between the ages of 10 and 14.

According to DA National Deputy Spokesperson on Social Development, Alexandra Abrahams reports that 119 587 teens aged 15 to 19 face parenthood while still children themselves.

ALSO READ: Alarming rise in teen pregnancies in SA despite global decline

Abrahams said he had written to the chairperson of the Social Development Committee, Bridget Masango, calling on her to summon the Department of Social Development to ask what they are doing to address the issue and whether they have considered their policy recommendations.

“Teenage pregnancy in South Africa is driven by factors such as poverty, poor access to contraceptives, gender inequality, sexual taboos, high levels of gender-based violence, and inadequate sex education. This complex issue requires a comprehensive approach to address these multifaceted drivers,” said Abrahams.

“The stats present two alarming issues: a lack of education about safe sex, and a lack of investigations regarding prima facie cases of sexual assault.”

ALSO READ: Women urged to speak out against GBV

In South Africa, it is illegal for someone to engage in sex with a partner younger than 16 years of age unless they are less than two years older than them or they are both between the ages of 12 and 16, and are both consenting.
It remains illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activities with a child under the age of 12 whether or not consent has been given.

“So girls between 10 and 12 [years old] who have given birth are victims of sexual abuse, and their cases should be reported and investigated. It stands to reason that given the country’s extremely high rate of GBV, many of these teen mothers would have suffered abuse or coercion, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice before they inflict suffering on another victim,” added Abrahams.

The Department of Basic Education found that 33 per cent of girls do not return to school after becoming pregnant, impacting their educational and employment prospects, and reinforcing gender gaps.

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