The DA in Gauteng says it has noted that 23 226 teenage pregnancies have been reported in the province from April 2020 to March 2021, which indicates a great need by the Gauteng Department of Education, Department of Social Development and Department of Health to strengthen their teenage pregnancy and sex education campaigns to conscientize our teenagers.
This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomathemba Mokgethi in a written reply to questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
“Teenage pregnancy impacts negatively on educational opportunities for young girls, especially those without the proper support and help, and are less likely to finish high school and pursue a career to support their families,” said the opposition party.
According to MEC Mokgethi, 934 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 10 to 14 years, 19 316 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 15 to 19 years, while 2976 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years did a Choice on Termination of Pregnancy
“These numbers are sad and incredibly troubling considering that these are young girls still have bright futures ahead of them,”
Teenage pregnancy remains a serious social and health problem in South Africa.
The DA demands the following Gauteng departments of Social Development, Education and Health to intensify their campaigns against teenage pregnancy to 365 days a year and making teenage pregnancy prevention a priority in schools.
“We also urge parents and guardians, as well as different stakeholders to work with government departments to assist in curbing teenage pregnancy – a societal issue that is affecting young girls.”
The DA says teenage girls should be taught about the consequences of teenage pregnancy and preventative measures to curb this.
