KOMANI- A shocking incident has put the spotlight back on the pressing issue of teenage pregnancies in the Eastern Cape, this comes after a 12-year-old girl gave birth at Frontier Hospital in Komani on New Year’s Day 2025. Eastern Cape Department of Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta condemned the incident, calling for the perpetrator who impregnated the girl to be brought to justice.
“Whoever impregnated this child no matter who it is he is going to be jailed,” Fanta said. Emphasizing the need to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
This incident is not an isolated case as the Eastern Cape has been struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancies, according to recent statistics OR Tambo district municipality has reported the highest number of teenage pregnancies with 1 269 cases recorded.
Provincial department of social development is working to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies, including lack of parental supervision and limited access to contraception and societal factors that contribute to the exploitation of children.
Furthermore, the department is also providing support services including counseling, parenting programs and necessary resources for families in crisis.
As the province struggles with this complex issue, Fanta is urging community members to be vigilant and proactive in supporting vulnerable families.
“We encourage community members to report any cases of child abuse or exploitation to the authorities,” Fanta said.
In addition the incident has also highlighted the need for increased awareness and education about teenage pregnancies, as well as the importance of providing support services for young mothers and their families.
Photograph: supplied
