Statistics South Africa revealed that South Africa had recorded 34 587 teenage pregnancies by the 2020/21 financial year-end, and this number rose to 90 037.
Although many experts have been using the term ‘teenage pregnancies’, the data that has been released has shown that these young mothers are as young as 10 years old up to the age of 19.
When speaking to Careers Portal, Soul City Institute for Social Justice CEO Phinah Kodisang pointed out this is the incorrect term to use, as this is the age group of adolescents.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), babies of adolescent mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth and severe neonatal condition.
In a study, social scientist, Obasanjo Bolarinwa indicated that almost one-quarter (22.40%) of South Africans could not access condoms, and every 7 in 10 South Africans preferred a public source of condoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an interview with Careers Portal, Adolescent girls’ and young women’s SRHR health equity advocate, Zimbini Madikiza reiterated that the lack of contraceptives and children being at home during lockdown are factors that have driven up the number of adolescent pregnancies.
Madikiza shared that young unplanned pregnancies are prevalent in rural areas because there is the lack of access to appropriate health facilities that offer related services, as well as a lack of knowledge and awareness about contraceptives.
Some experts are of the opinion that older men taking advantage of young girls and sexually violating them is another contributing factor.
It is for this reason that Soul City is currently advocating for stealthing to be recognised by law as a form of rape, as it is an act done without consent, suggested Kodisang.
Both experts have admitted that the country has great policies, however, they need to be effectively implemented and perpetrators need to be brought to book.
Amongst many intervention methods, Soul City does support and guide victims of statutory rape in reporting these cases but the organisation has revealed that it has had cases of individuals getting cold feet when they are about to get justice.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has also launched the Learner Pregnancy Policy to address issues resulting in young moms being discriminated against at schools.
According to an aspect of this policy, schools will be required to report pregnancies to the South African Police Service (SAPS) if the pregnant learner is under the age of 16 and was impregnated by a man 18 years and older.
The department’s Chief Director of Communications & Media, Elijah Mhlanga said police need to understand what has happened and if need be, ensure that a perpetrator of statutory rape is arrested.
