Tebogo Mashilompane
National Leader of Forum for South Africa
By Tebogo Mashilompane
National Leader of Forum for South Africa
Teenage pregnancy has reached alarming levels in South Africa and must be treated as a national crisis.
In 2025 alone in Mpumalanga, 9,712 teenagers, including a 14-year-old child, reportedly gave birth on new year.
This shocking reality must not be celebrated or normalised under the banner that “children are gifts from God.”
This is not a blessing to celebrate — it is a crisis that demands urgent action.
Again, early last year, it was reported that the Eastern Cape experienced a similar situation, proving that teenage pregnancy is a growing and deeply rooted problem across the country.
FOSA believes it is long overdue for society to stop embracing and romanticising teenage pregnancy.
The so-called teenage baby showers must be done away with, as they encourage and legitimise a practice that destroys the future of young girls.
South Africa cannot afford a society where children give birth to children as if it is acceptable or admirable.
The social, educational, health, and economic consequences are devastating.
FOSA strongly condemns teenage pregnancy and further condemns individuals and families who encourage this behaviour by organising baby showers and celebratory events for teenage mothers.
It is reported that 33% of teenagers who fall pregnant drop out of school completely.
This raises a serious question about the values of our society and the future we are creating for our children.
Teenage pregnancy must not be normalised.
It remains a serious social problem, and FOSA continues to frown upon such behaviour.
Where an adult has impregnated a teenager, that individual must face the full might of the law. FOSA strongly discourages family negotiations or settlements in such cases.
Any older person who engages in sexual activity with a minor is guilty of statutory rape.
Families must stop negotiating at the expense of the child’s safety, dignity, and future.
There is nothing beautiful or fulfilling about teenagers giving birth.
It is a tragedy that demands urgent intervention.
FOSA condemns this practice and calls on government, communities, families, and civil society to act decisively to protect our children.
FOSA says: Enough is enough.
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