eThekwini sounds alarm on teen pregnancies: Over 7,000 young girls pregnant in one year

The eThekwini Municipality has said there was 7,627 deliveries among girls aged 10 to 19 in the 2024/2025 financial year. Alarming new data from the eThekwini Municipality has revealed7,627 deliveries among girls aged 10 to 19in the 2024/2025 financial year, while more than3,000 teenagers sought pregnancy termination servicesover the past five years. 3,000 teenagers sought pregnancy termination services Officials say the figures reflect a deepening crisis that is undermining the health, education, and future prospects of thousands of young people.

In response to these escalating concerns, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba launched the Child and Teenage Pregnancy Strategy at Nkosibomvu Secondary School in oThongathi, where he delivered an impassioned call for collective action. The problem has also drawn the attention of the the provincial government. Last month,KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntulilaunched the Multisectoral Strategy to Curb Child and Teenage Pregnancies (2025–2029).

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntulilaunched the Multisectoral Strategy to Curb Child and Teenage Pregnancies (2025–2029). In his address, delivered by the deputy mayor, the mayor told learners that their school was deliberately chosen as the launch site, saying:“You are very fortunate here at Nkosibomvu that your school has been identified as the place where this programme will be launched. We hope that this will motivate you to be a good example to other learners.” “You are very fortunate here at Nkosibomvu that your school has been identified as the place where this programme will be launched. We hope that this will motivate you to be a good example to other learners.” Mayor Xaba said the rising levels of teenage pregnancy represent“a serious threat to the wellbeing, potential, and future of our young people.” “a serious threat to the wellbeing, potential, and future of our young people.” He cautioned that teenage pregnancy is closely linked to increased HIV risk.“Teenage pregnancy is not only a social challenge, but also a significant public health concern,”he said.“Its prevalence indicates that many young people are engaging in unprotected sexual activity, placing them at heightened risk of contracting HIV.” “Teenage pregnancy is not only a social challenge, but also a significant public health concern,”