NGO says high rate of teenage births in SA a systemic failure
The organisation, One to One Africa, has highlighted statistics that shows more than 90,000 teenagers gave birth in 2024.
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CAPE TOWN - An NGO working in rural communities said the high rate of teenage births in the country is a systemic failure, which further tarnishes former president Nelson Mandela's legacy.
The organisation, One to One Africa, has highlighted statistics that shows more than 90,000 teenagers gave birth in 2024.
The numbers also reveal that more than 2,000 were girls between the age of 10 and 14, mostly in rural communities.
One to One Africa executive director Gqibelo Dandala said teenage pregnancy is not just a health issue.
"It is not just a social justice issue. It is indeed a sign to our failure as a country and as a community to protect our children."
Dandala said there are multiple factors behind the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the country.
"This requires a multi-sectoral approach and response from the Department of Health, to the Department of Social Development, to the Department of Justice. Everyone needs to have their hands on deck if we are to truly understand why this is happening."
In celebrating Madiba's legacy, Dandala has called for a national collaboration to advocate for adolescent sexual health services.