Note to Editors: Please note Shontel de Boer, MPL sound bite in English
The DA is deeply concerned by a Phakama Digest report (view here) which has exposed shocking figures of girl-child pregnancy in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
According to the report, between April 2023 and March 2024, 31 088 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 gave birth in our province. The shock figure includes 610 girls aged between 10 and 14. The figures relate to KZN’s public health facilities only.
What this means is that, in KZN, on average;
- About two girls aged 10–14 gave birth each day
- About 83 girls aged 15–19 gave birth each day and;
- About 85 girls aged between aged 10–19 gave birth every single day.
The DA is shocked and outraged by this finding. The pregnancies are unquestionably caused by rape for girls aged 10 to 12 and almost certainly statutory rape for those aged 12 to 14 years.
The same report also reveals that only 2 408 – just 9.54% – out of 25 239 KZN learners remained within the schooling system during their pregnancies, with the vast remainder dropping out. According to National Health Department statistics an estimated one out of three pregnant learners drop out of school during pregnancy. Yet, the Phakama Digest report indicates that this figure is far higher.
The report further reveals that the Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme is currently only reaching 61 out of 6 022 schools in KZN, highlighting a severe gap in safe sex education.
The DA is deeply disturbed by these findings. Not only were these young women and girls either still in primary or high school – which is heartbreaking – many have now been locked out of future opportunity or will have the added responsibility of motherhood/parenthood while still being children themselves.
South African law is very clear when it comes to engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Even if a minor has consented to sexual activity, it remains unlawful and is considered statutory rape. It is also illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activities with a child under the age of 12, regardless of consent.
Consequently, girls aged 10 to 12 who have become pregnant and given birth are victims of sexual abuse. As a result, the statistics also indicate a lack of investigations into prima facie cases of sexual assault.
The DA is currently conducting a national probe into how provinces are enforcing the Children’s Act. In the case of KZN’s horrific statistics, we will ensure all such cases are reported to SAPS for criminal investigation. Until men who commit rape and statutory rape on girl children are put behind bars, it will not be stopped.
In the interim, we call on KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli, under whose office KZN’s Community Safety and Liaison department falls, to engage with the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted under the relevant criminal laws.
We further call on KZN’s MECs for Social Development, Community Safety and Health to urgently form a joint task team in order to;
– Maintain a comprehensive register, tracking all cases of teenage pregnancy in KZN.
– Ensure that such pregnancies are investigated to ascertain whether the offenders age falls outside the legal parameters and to ensure appropriate criminal charges, where applicable.
– Implement a court watching brief to ensure that prosecutors have the support needed to secure convictions and;
– Implement awareness programmes, emphasising that those who prey on young girls will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
KZN’s Department of Social Development (DSD) has a vital role to play in ensuring programmes aimed at educating young girls and boys about the consequences of sexual activities, and in providing support to pregnant learners and their babies.
The DA, as a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity, is committed to ensuring this and to finding solutions aimed at protecting KZN’s young girls and women. Every child – including pregnant learners – deserves opportunity and we will continue to fight for their rights.