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Pregnant woman.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has raised concerns over the high levels of teenage pregnancies in the province.
Over 23 000 cases were reported from January to December last year in Gauteng.
521 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 10 and 14.
About 4 840 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years underwent a Choice on Termination of Pregnancy.
This is revealed by Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to the DA’s question in the Gauteng Legislature.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says the cases have reached pandemic levels and they are demanding action.
“What is of great concern is that there seems to be no co-ordination between the Department of Social Development, the Police, and the Health Department in dealing with this issue. We also need to involve the Department of Education as well. Failure to ensure that the Children’s Act is upheld to report cases of statutory rape is resulting in this criminal conduct. And this has to be dealt with as a matter of urgency,” says Msimanga.
🚨 Child Pregnancy Crisis in Gauteng
23,691 teenage pregnancies were recorded in Gauteng last year.
⚠️ 521 babies born to girls aged 10–14.
⚠️ Over 23,000 babies born to girls aged 15–19.
⚠️ Yet only 242 statutory rape cases were reported to SAPS in 2024.This is statutory rape… pic.twitter.com/yUfWjG07UV
— Democratic Alliance Gauteng Legislature (@DA_GPL) September 15, 2025
VIDEO | DISCUSSION: Child and teenage pregnancies in South Africa
