Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who oversees Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in South Africa, has expressed her deep concern about the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the country. In 2024, over 70,000 teenage pregnancies were reported, which the Minister considers a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
Chikunga shared that some of the affected teenagers are as young as 10 years old and are not yet ready to become mothers. She emphasized that these girls are being forced to face adult responsibilities at a time when they should be focusing on their education and childhood. “These young girls should be in school, not becoming mothers,” she said, highlighting the long-term impact on their futures.
The Minister believes that part of the problem stems from challenges within families and communities. She pointed out that many children are not receiving the support and guidance they need, and there is a lack of awareness about the importance of healthy relationships and proper sexual education. Chikunga called for greater responsibility and care from society to ensure that children are protected and given the opportunity to thrive.
She also mentioned that in some cases, young girls face additional difficulties, such as not being registered at birth, which prevents them from accessing vital services like education and healthcare. This lack of support makes it even more difficult for these young mothers to care for their children and build a better future.
The Minister shared a few recent cases to highlight the seriousness of the issue. A 12-year-old girl gave birth in the Eastern Cape, and a 13-year-old had a baby in Limpopo. Additionally, a 16-year-old became a mother for the second time. Chikunga stressed the importance of follow-up support and care for these young mothers, as well as efforts to prevent further teenage pregnancies.
