Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development chaired has expressed sadness over the disturbing rise of teenage pregnancy in North West.
Chairperson Karabo Magagane said the Committee is dismayed by recent media reports highlighting a disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies in the province. “This crisis came into sharp focus during the Premier’s visit to Joe Morolong Regional Hospital in Vryburg on New Year’s Day.
He learned of a 16-year-old girl giving birth to her second child, fathered by a 35-year-old man - a crime that began when she was
just 13.
“Such appalling revelations cast a dark shadow on the future of our young girls and demand urgent action from all sectors of society.
The implications of teenage pregnancies are devastating, creating a ripple effect that undermines the potential and well-being of our girls. Early pregnancies often force young girls to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities and entrenching cycles of poverty,” said Magagane.
“These young mothers are frequently stigmatised, dependent on public assistance, and, in some cases, coerced into early marriages.”
The Portfolio Committee is deeply troubled by the systemic factors exacerbating this crisis, including gender inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, poor access to contraceptives, inadequate sexual education and barriers to accessing safe termination of pregnancy services.
Challenges within the healthcare system further compound this dire situation.
Magagane added that even though the government has made strides in improving access to quality maternal care for pregnant and parenting adolescents, the vulnerability of young girls to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and HIV infection, some issues still require intensified and coordinated efforts.
The Portfolio Committee called for strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders - government, civil society, law enforcement and communities - to combat this scourge.
“We support the Premier’s directive for clinics and hospitals to report such incidents to the relevant authorities, ensuring swift and decisive action against perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies must act expeditiously in cases of statutory rape and ensure justice is served.’’
Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee emphasised the urgent need to bolster protection services, enhance prevention programs and respond more effectively to sexual and gender-based violence.
“This alarming trend of teenage pregnancies is not merely a social issue; it is a profound violation
of the rights and dignity of our young girls.
“We call upon all South Africans to take a firm stance against this heinous crime. Let us collectively champion the rights of our girls to live free from exploitation, pursue education and thrive during the critical years of their development.
“It is only through united action and unwavering commitment that we can eradicate this scourge and safeguard the future of our youth.’’
