In a bid to curb the rising incidences of teenage pregnancy, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, working in partnership with the Departments of Education and Health, as well as several Non-Profit Organizations, hosted a youth-focused awareness event at the Diepkloof Multipurpose Hall in Soweto on Wednesday, 07 May 2025. This and other activities take place as the nation observes Child Protection Week.

The campaign engaged learners in critical discussions on the causes of teenage pregnancy, its far-reaching socio-economic consequences, and practical strategies for prevention. Participating schools included Bona Comprehensive High School, Fons Luminus High School, Noordgesig High School, and Namedi High School, drawing learners from communities such as Orlando, Diepkloof, and Noordgesig.


The initiative specifically targeted children most at risk of experiencing teenage pregnancy.

Social worker Phathutshedzo Mukona, who formed part of the facilitation team, stressed that Social Development services are available to all who need them across the province. She expressed satisfaction at the level of awareness learners showed around the impacts of teenage pregnancy, including emotional, physical, economic, and mental effects. However, she raised a pertinent question: Do young people truly understand the consequences of their choices and know about prevention methods, such as abstinence?

Mukona acknowledged that, despite ongoing awareness efforts, the Department continues to grapple with high rates of teenage pregnancy. One of the key challenges, she explained, lies in behavioral issues, particularly among teens facing difficult home environments. She shared the example of a teenager subjected to domestic abuse who, despite receiving intervention, continuedtoreturntothesameharmful situation.

 
“Teenagers today seem to understand their rights more than their responsibilities, ”said Mukona.“Sadly, the consequences of their actions remain the same. Our role is to help them make informed choices, but ultimately, those decisions rest with them.”


Mukona emphasized that peer pressure, family conflict, and poverty are significant drivers of repeated teenage pregnancies, even among those who have previously received support. “We offer programs for young mothers, but in some cases, the lack of stable support systems leads to repeat pregnancies,” she said.

 
To help break this cycle, the Department runs several initiatives, including Sinovuyo, a program designed to improve communication between parents and children. Many teenagers, Mukona noted, struggle to speak openly with their parents and often feel misunderstood. The Sinovuyo programme encourages effective parenting and nurtures positive relationships, addressing conflict at its root.

Rather than removing children from their homes, the Department prioritizes enrolling them in programs that build identity, foster accountability, and promote healthier choices.

“Teenagers need to understand who they are and that the decisions they make now will shape their future,” concluded Mukona.