By Cassius Selala
Department of Women, Youth and Persons
with Disabilities, Head of Communication
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) calls on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators, communities and social partners to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy, which continues to undermine the health, education and prospects of young people in South Africa.
Teenage pregnancy remains a serious social and developmental challenge.
It often results in interrupted schooling,increased dropout rates, limited economic opportunities, and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence.
These outcomes affect not only young girls, but also young boys, families and communities at large.
Preventing adolescent pregnancy is a shared responsibility. Teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge, self-confidence and support to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
Equally, teenage boys must be actively engaged to understand that responsibility, respect, and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices.
The Department urges young people to:
•Prioritise education, personal development and long-term goals
•Delay sexual activity until they are mentally and emotionally ready
•Resist peer pressure and report coercion or abuse
•Seek guidance from parents, caregivers, teachers, social workers and health professionals.
•Access accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information from
clinics, schools and trusted sources.
Minister Chikunga calls on parents and caregivers to create safe spaces for open and honest conversations with young people, while schools and community structures must strengthen life skills education and youth development programmes.
This call aligns with the government’s broader commitments under the National
Development Plan, the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Framework, and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which recognise that early prevention and youth empowerment are key to breaking cycles
of vulnerability.
“Protecting young people from early and unplanned parenthood is about safeguarding their rights, dignity and future. Our children deserve opportunities to learn, grow and thrive without being forced into adult responsibilities too early,” said Minister Chikunga.
The department remains committed to working with all sectors of society to empower young people, promote responsible behaviour, and build a future where every young person can
reach their full potential.
Tshwane Talks readers have been able to read stories in this publication for free for over two years now. We still want our readers to access our stories for free, but we are asking those among our readers who can afford it to contribute at least R30 a month to cover some of the costs of publishing this independent, non-aligned online newspaper which gives a voice to all sectors of society irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion, or political affiliation. You may make your contribution by depositing at least R30 a month into Tshwane Talks' bank account. Details are as follows:
Bank Details
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 10225548834
Account Type: Cheque Account