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Newborn babies in hospital cribs.
The number of teenage mothers increased slightly from 90 in 2024 to 130 this year. This is based on the final number of babies delivered on Christmas day in public health facilites.
The National Health Department says a total of 1668 babies were safely delivered on Christmas day compared to the 1360 babies delivered during this time, last year.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of newborns at 428 babies.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators and communities to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies.
[WATCH] Democratic Alliance’s Thembesile Khanyile says more funding should be devoted to the fight against teen pregnancy and youth substance abuse. pic.twitter.com/zpcSzmHrNb
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 16, 2025
The department says teen pregnancies continue to undermine health and education for young people in South Africa.
Statistics show the number of teenagers falling pregnant is increasing. This is confirmed by the increasing number of teenage mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day.
“Teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge and self-confidence, support to make informed decisions about their bodies in future. Equally teenage boys must be actively engaged to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices,” says the department’s spokesperson Cassius Selala.
He says adolescence pregnancy remains social developmental challenge and that it often results in interrupted schooling, increased drop out and limited economic opportunities and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence.
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