By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The future of some young people who are still at school looks horribly hopeless as teenage pregnancy stats in Gauteng balloons.
In the shocking statement released by Refiloe Nt’sekhe MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development, about 23 226 teenage pregnancies have been reported in the province from April 2020 to March 2021.
Nt’sekhe said this indicated 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 the teenagers.
“This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomathemba Mokgethi in a written reply to my 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 Nt’sekhe.
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.
In total, there were 23 226 teenage pregnancies in Gauteng from April 2020 to March 2021.
“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. It poses a health risk to both mother and child, and it also has social consequences such as continuing the cycle of poverty and early school drop out,”said Nt’sekhe.
Nt’sekhe indicated that the DA demanded the 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.
“Teenage girls should be taught about the consequences of teenage pregnancy and preventative measures to curb this. As for girls who are under the age of consent, they should also be taught their rights in this regard and to know, at no point, is anyone allowed to force themselves onto them.
“The future of our girls can be saved through behavior change with the correct knowledge and guidance provided by the provincial government,” she said.
