Teenage pregnancies are surging at an alarming rate in South Africa, with more than 160 girls giving birth on New Year’s Day alone, double the number recorded in 2025.
The Department of Health reported that a total of 1 669 babies were delivered across public health facilities on January 1, up from 1 448 the previous year, raising serious concerns about teen pregnancies.
The Department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, stressed that while all mothers deserve support and care, the sharp rise in teenage births is deeply concerning.
He urged parents, communities, and stakeholders to work together to educate and protect young girls, ensuring they understand the risks of early pregnancy.
“Unfortunately, some of these girls don’t disclose the age or type of relationship of those who impregnated them. That’s why families and communities need to work closely to act in the best interest of these children, especially for those who became pregnant as a result of rape,” he said.
Mohale added that the department remains committed to guiding and supporting mothers and caregivers while implementing targeted interventions to reduce teenage pregnancies and promote the health and development of children nationwide.
Gugu Xaba, CEO of Save the Children South Africa, expressed deep concern over the persistent rise in teenage pregnancies, stating that the numbers “soar year in and year out” despite ongoing interventions.
“We’ve seen growth in children under 18 falling pregnant, and the numbers keep rising. Education is given, but in many instances, it is ignored, and young people are not always aware of the risks they face,” Xaba said.
According to Xaba, multiple factors contribute to the surge. Many girls start menstruating without understanding the biological changes and their implications, leaving them vulnerable to early pregnancy. Alcohol use can impair judgment, leading to unplanned sexual encounters, while poverty drives some young people to engage in transactional sex simply to meet basic needs such as buying groceries.
“It is growing, and we’ve seen that when teenagers come to clinics, many are not only pregnant but also carry sexually transmitted infections they did not know about,” she said.
Xaba stressed that these encounters are often unplanned and, despite education efforts, the message is not always absorbed: “A lot of education has been provided, but at times we don’t listen as much as we should.”
The Department of Health is calling for stronger collaboration with government, NGOs, parents, and other stakeholders to implement health interventions targeted at adolescent girls and young women.
This includes increasing access to sexual and mental health services through Youth-Friendly Zones located within primary health centers and clinics,safe spaces designed to provide confidential care, empower young people, and offer alternatives for healthier futures.
The Star
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