Minister urges parents and schools to act after teen births spike

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called for intensified efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy after more than 30 teenage mothers gave birth in public hospitals across South Africa on Christmas Day.

Chikunga, has called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators, communities and social partners to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

She said adolescent pregnancy continues to undermine the health, education and future prospects of young people in South Africa, 

Chikunga described adolescent pregnancy as 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,” she said.

These consequences, Chikunga added, 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,” she said.

She stressed that teenage boys must also be actively involved. 

“They need to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices.”

Chikunga urged 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; and access accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information from clinics, schools and trusted sources.

She also called on parents and caregivers to create safe spaces for open and honest conversations with young people, while schools and community structures were urged to strengthen life skills education and youth development programmes.

Chikunga said the call aligns with government 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 early prevention and youth empowerment as 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,” she said.

Her remarks followed reports from the Department of Health that 714 babies were born in public health facilities across the country between midnight and midday on Christmas Day.

The department said the first baby of Christmas Day 2025 was born at Elim Hospital in Limpopo at midnight, followed by births at Tonga Hospital in Mpumalanga and Elizabeth Ross District Hospital in the Free State at 12.02am.

The department urged parents to invest in exclusive breastfeeding and child immunisation, saying both protect babies from preventable diseases and improve survival, especially in the first months of life. It also commended health workers for ensuring the safety of mothers and newborns.

However, the department expressed concern about the continued high number of teenage mothers, with more than 30 recorded on Christmas Day alone. 

Several provinces reported teenage mothers as young as 15 among those who gave birth.

The Department of Health said it remains committed to strengthening maternal, neonatal and child health services to ensure mothers and newborns receive dignified, safe and quality care.

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