Teenage pregnancy in South Africa: A community crisis that needs us
Duduza – As South Africa marks Youth Month, a troubling reality casts a shadow over the celebrations: the rising rate of teenage pregnancy.
While this month is meant to honour the hopes and potential of our young people, it also calls us to confront the challenges that threaten their future, none more urgent than the growing number of school-aged girls becoming pregnant.
Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng said she sees firsthand the impact of teenage pregnancy on young girls, their families, and communities.
'In 2023 alone, over 90 000 schoolgirls across the country became pregnant, some as young as 10 years old. This is not just a statistic, it is a clear sign of a growing public health crisis.
'Teenage pregnancy puts young girls at risk physically, emotionally, and socially, while also placing pressure on families, schools, and our healthcare system.
'It is essential that we provide accurate information, compassionate care, and comprehensive support to help prevent early pregnancies and guide those affected toward healthier futures,' explained Mofokeng.
Mofokeng speaks of the issue, highlighting not only the statistics but the heartbreaking realities behind them.
'Every day, we see young girls in clinics, some confused, others afraid, and many without support. Some have been violated. Others have been misinformed. This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a societal one,' said Mofokeng.
She explained that teen pregnancy is not caused by a single factor but by a convergence of socioeconomic, educational, and cultural issues:
• Poverty and inequality: Many young girls engage in transactional relationships to meet basic needs.
• Early puberty and peer pressure: Children reach puberty earlier, often without the emotional maturity or information needed to navigate the changes.
• Lack of sex education: Myths around contraceptives and abstinence-only messages leave many in the dark.
• Family breakdowns and sexual abuse: Silence in the home, parental neglect, and even coercion often lead girls into unsafe situations.
'Many of our young patients do not know how to say no. They think pregnancy is the cost of love or affection,' Mofokeng said.
She also noted that the consequences of teenage pregnancy are devastating:
• Health risks: Girls under 19 face higher risks of complications like eclampsia, infections, and premature births.
• School dropouts: One in three school dropouts is due to pregnancy, cutting off future career paths and self-reliance.
• Emotional toll: Depression, anxiety, social stigma, and broken family ties are common.
• Economic struggle: Many teen mothers rely on child grants and struggle to support themselves and their children.
While the challenge is vast, solutions exist, and they require collective effort.
Mofokeng outlines key preventative strategies:
Comprehensive sexual education
• Teach beyond biology to include topics like consent, relationships, and contraceptive options.
• Schools, churches, and community halls must become safe spaces for learning and discussion.
Access to youth-friendly contraceptive services
• Clinics must offer approachable, respectful, and confidential services.
• Services should include free contraceptives and flexible hours.
'We must debunk the myths. Contraceptives do not make girls infertile,' Mofokeng urges.
Parental and community engagement
• Equip parents to speak openly with their children about sex and relationships.
• Involve community leaders and create multi-sector partnerships.
• Host workshops for guardians and caregivers to empower home education.
Support structures for teen mothers
• Provide safe spaces for teen moms to share experiences and get parenting support.
• Help young mothers return to school or enrol in vocational training.
• Destigmatise teen pregnancy without glorifying it.
Empower both girls and boys
• Teach boys about respect, consent, and responsibility.
• Promote positive male role models and community mentors.
Keep girls in school
• Schools must adopt supportive policies that encourage young mothers to continue their education.
• Community efforts can fund uniforms, transport, and sanitary products.
'Education is still the best contraceptive,' Mofokeng said.
Faith and culture as allies
• Engage faith and traditional leaders to speak about delaying pregnancy from a values-based perspective.
• Shift messaging from shame to hope and responsibility.
Create safe youth spaces
• Establish youth centres offering counselling, education, and creativity workshops.
• Keep teens off the streets and engaged in positive, empowering activities.
Mofokeng said teenage pregnancy is not just about girls making 'bad choices', saying it is about systems that fail them.
'It is about silence, stigma, and survival. But it is also about hope. Teen pregnancy does not have to define a girl's life. If we educate, support, and listen, we can turn things around.
'It is everyone's responsibility. It starts with conversation, and it ends with action. Let Youth Month 2025 be a turning point, a time not just for remembering the youth who fought for our freedom, but for protecting the youth still fighting for a future,' added Mofokeng.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- The Citizen
Measles outbreak in Gauteng: 181 cases confirmed, public urged to vaccinate
The Gauteng Department of Health has intensified its public health response following further measles cases across the province. Between January 1 and June 13, 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported, primarily in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases. Local nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng explained what measles is and how to curb its spread. She defined measles as a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects children but can infect anyone who is unvaccinated. 'It spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Measles symptoms appear about seven to 14 days after exposure,' she said. Signs and symptoms: • High fever; • Dry cough; • Runny nose; • Red, watery eyes; • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots); • A blotchy red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. 'A person is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. Many people assume measles is just a rash and fever, but it can lead to severe complications,' she added. She mentioned these complications: • Pneumonia; • Diarrhoea and dehydration; • Ear infections (which might lead to hearing loss); • Brain swelling (encephalitis); • Death, especially in malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems. 'Children under five years, unvaccinated people of any age, people with weakened immune systems (HIV+ individuals) and pregnant women are at risk of contracting measles. 'Prevention is always better than cure. The measles vaccine is safe and free at public clinics across SA. It is given as part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) at six months (extra dose during outbreaks), 12 months and 18 months,' she mentioned. Mofokeng said vaccination is the best protection because if enough people are vaccinated, the virus cannot spread; this is called herd immunity. She added that during the outbreak, people must ensure children are vaccinated by checking their Road-to-Health card. The nurse advised adults unsure of their vaccination status to visit a clinic for advice. 'If your child shows symptoms, keep them at home and visit a health facility immediately. Inform your school or crèche if a child was diagnosed. They may need to take steps to prevent further spread,' said Mofokeng. What to do if you suspect measles? • Step one: Seek medical care immediately; early detection can prevent serious illness. • Step two: Isolate the patient to avoid spreading the virus to others. • Step three: Follow the instructions from your clinic or doctor. ALSO READ: SASSA announces August payment dates for all social grants ALSO READ: Two arrested in Kwa-Thema for house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- The Citizen
Community support can save lives in the fight against TB
Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng is raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through community education, she aims to inform the public about how TB spreads, how it can be prevented, and why early diagnosis is crucial. 'TB mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. 'TB is not a death sentence, but when left untreated or poorly managed, it becomes life-threatening,' explained Mofokeng. Mofokeng mentioned that she currently works in a male medical ward and one of the most painful realities she faces is the high rate of treatment default among TB patients. She highlighted that many start their medication feeling hopeful, but due to various challenges like side effects, lack of support, poverty, or stigma, they stop taking their treatment before completion. 'I have seen patients return weeks or months later, far sicker than before. Some have drug-resistant TB, while others are too ill to recover. What breaks my heart most is knowing that these deaths are preventable. 'South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of TB in the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 200 000 new TB cases are reported annually here, and the majority of them are among the most economically active age group,' she cited. Mofokeng further noted a correlation between HIV and TB. She has treated countless patients who are co-infected with both, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of death. Early detection is critical. Do not ignore these warning signs: • A cough lasting longer than two weeks • Unexplained weight loss • Drenching night sweats • Fatigue • Fever or chills • Coughing up blood 'If you experience these symptoms or know someone who does, please go to your nearest clinic immediately. TB treatment in South Africa is completely free at public clinics. It involves a six-month course of treatment. However, for treatment to be successful, it must be taken every single day without fail. 'I have seen what happens when patients skip doses or stop early. The bacteria become resistant, and we are left with fewer and far more toxic treatment options. 'This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it is a growing threat in our country. The painful part is witnessing an increase in cases where, even after some patients have been re-initiated on treatment, they still default. 'This then makes them acquire multi-drug resistance. There is a huge challenge with tuberculosis in the hospitals, which are full of people who were unable to comply with treatment,' added Mofokeng. Some of the most common challenges patients face include: • Lack of food to take with medication • Fear of stigma or being judged • Side effects from the medication • Long clinic queues or transport issues • Poor understanding of the importance of completing treatment • Prevention and community action: Here is how the community can help prevent the spread of TB: • Encourage early screening and testing • Improve ventilation in homes and workplaces • Promote good cough etiquette and hygiene • Support those on treatment, emotionally and practically. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
Youth learn to say ‘no' to alcohol through school programme
Youth learn to say 'no' to alcohol through school programme To mark the end of Youth Month, the in collaboration with Altus Sport, held an event for the #NoToU18 alcohol education programme at Thulani Primary School, Zola, on June 30. Speaking to the Urban News, CEO Mokebe Thulo said they were witnessing one of their crucial programme in action, which is run by their partner, Altus Sport, with whom they have worked for several years on their on-the-ground work. 'We are focused on underage drinking and promoting the message of saying 'no' to it. 'We understand that some drivers behind underage drinking include young people often left unsupervised, and factors such as peer pressure and the types of role models they have played a major role. ALSO READ: Green Village hosts youth soccer tournament to uplift Soweto communities 'One of the ways we combat underage drinking is by providing educational and recreational programmes that help them learn and gain the tools to say 'no' to alcohol and peer pressure,' she said. Thulo said the programme teaches young people the importance of taking care of themselves – their minds and bodies – and making the right choices. It also aims to provide a safe space that keeps them busy and off the streets by engaging them in something productive. Altus Sport project manager Samantha Pennells-Ingle said many children today suffer from peer pressure and bullying, making their environment a sad, unsafe space. Most kids are also glued to their phones, focusing on things they should not be, rather than engaging in meaningful activities. ALSO READ: Youth empowerment: 'I am a Reward' shapes future innovators 'The importance of this programme lies in teaching young people about the dangers of substance abuse. 'We also help them learn how to handle bullying and peer pressure, and to realise that there is something greater out there than turning to alcohol. There are many ways to have fun that don't involve drinking,' she said. Thulani Primary School principal Khethinkosi Ntuli told the Urban News that the programme is a good initiative because it gives learners something meaningful to do, especially during school holidays. 'The relationship we have with the and Altus Sport has brought a lot of positive change to our school and the community. 'This programme doesn't benefit only our learners but also involves several other schools that are here today, so we are grateful for this opportunity,' said Ntuli. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
