1 424 of SA Children Aged 10-14 are Pregnant

Dear Editor

The rise in learner pregnancies, especially the tragic number of children aged 10-14, underscores a crisis that demands urgent attention.

According to figures released by the Department of Education, 67 389 girls aged 15-19 delivered in the first three quarters, as well as 1 424 girls aged 10-14. These are not just statistics but a glaring indication of a much deeper societal problem.

The cases involving children between the ages of 10-12 amount to statutory rape, a violation of these girls’ rights, and must be treated as such.

In light of the crisis presented by the statistics, the DA will now pose further questions to the Department of Education to ascertain the number of girls who fell pregnant between the ages of 10 and 12 years.

For those girls, we will ensure this issue is treated as one of statutory rape, and we will push for criminal investigations into the perpetrators of these crimes. The responsibility now lies with the authorities to treat it as a criminal matter.

Once we have this number, the DA will interrogate the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the progress of investigations and prosecutions in these cases.

Teenage pregnancy is a significant factor that contributes to the cycle of poverty, with pregnant learners at higher risk of school dropout, limited economic opportunity, and increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS transmission.

The DA is particularly concerned about the lack of access to contraceptives, the stigmatisation of pregnant learners, and the absence of effective support structures, which exacerbate this crisis.

Furthermore, we will raise additional questions about how learner awareness and pregnancy prevention campaigns will be intensified in response to the significant increase in unplanned pregnancies, particularly in Q2.

The DA believes that a comprehensive, multifaceted approach is required to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and the systemic exclusion of vulnerable children from the education system.

The DA will continue to advocate for systemic change to protect the rights and dignity of all learners, with a particular focus on reducing the rates of teenage pregnancy, supporting those who are affected, and ensuring all children, including those with disabilities, have equal access to education.

The time to act is now. These statistics represent real lives, and the DA is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect our youth, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Regards

Angel Khanyile MP
DA Spokesperson on Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities