Concerns teenage pregnancy rate will increase the number of school dropouts

JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department says that while the number of new teenage mothers has decreased, measures need to be taken to address the scourge.

Just over 80 teenagers across the country gave birth on New Year's Day, this is a decrease compared to 190 recorded in 2024.

Health Spokesperson Foster Mohale said that this also affects the education of many young mothers.

"Teenage pregnancy often leads to irregular school attendance, poor performance and ultimately school dropout, especially for mothers who lack family support structures to take care of the babies when the mothers go to school."