The eThekwini Municipality is facing an urgent crisis: between April 2024 and April 2025, 7,627 girls aged 10 to 14 gave birth. This alarming statistic, revealed during the Teenage Pregnancy Indaba held at the Durban ICC on May 20, highlights a growing emergency in child protection, education, and public health.
Even more distressing, the youngest mother recorded was only 10 years old.
> “We are facing a tragic reality. These are children having children,” - Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni
The deputy mayor described the situation as a public health crisis, noting that on average, 582 girls in the same age group seek abortions every month. High-incidence areas include Inanda, KwaMashu, and uMlazi, which are also among the province’s most socioeconomically challenged communities
Statutory Rape and Systemic Failures
Under South African law, any sexual activity with children under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape yet many of these cases are not prosecuted. Experts at the Indaba emphasized that behind each pregnancy is a serious violation of rights and protections.
“This is not a teenage mistake this is criminal,” said one child welfare advocate.
Call to Action: What Needs to Change
The Indaba identified key steps to address the crisis:
- Comprehensive sexuality education integrated into school curricula
- Youth-friendly sexual health services in clinics and communities
- Clear legal enforcement of statutory rape and child protection laws
- Community mobilization to change harmful social norms
Looking Ahead
The municipality has committed to developing a multi-stakeholder response plan, expected to launch in the coming weeks. However, long-term success will require collaboration across sectors from parents and teachers to law enforcement and religious leaders.
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