Surge in teenage pregnancies in the Western Cape raises concerns

With alarming statistics revealing a surge in teenage pregnancies, the Western Cape faces a pressing challenge that demands immediate action. Teenage pregnancies are rising in the Western Cape, with the WCED encouraging learners to return to school and finish their National Senior Certificate. A year ago, the Western Cape Health and Wellness data showed a shocking rise in adolescent deliveries (ages 11-19) by 26.66% over three financial years, with children as young as 11 in maternity wards.

In 2025, 22,097 women accessed City Health for basic antenatal care, including 1,230 teenagers under 18, representing a 1.2% increase. City Health noted this ongoing trend and offers Adolescent and Youth-Friendly services, including free contraception, to sexually active teenagers. In communities like Cloetesville in Stellenbosch, teenage pregnancy has become common.

In one road, two school girls find themselves pregnant. “We have two girls who are pregnant and they are between the ages of 16 and 17,” said a community activist who asked not to be identified due to sensitivity. “The learners are continuing their schooling despite being pregnant.” Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for the WCED, shared the latest data available, showcasing that between 2017 and 2023/2024, the numbers have ranged between 1,600 and 2,200.

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She said access to 2025 data would be released soon upon their request and provided their latest data: She added that figures are likely understated during the Covid-19 period (2020-2022) due to learners being at home. “The WCED encourages learners to return to school and finish their National Senior Certificate. Pregnant learners in need of support are referred directly from the school to the district social workers, she said.

The department explained that to ensure educational support and accommodation, working with the school to prevent discrimination. This includes educational planning to manage schoolwork with childcare, such as flexible schedules or online options, and developing reintegration plans and workshops (parenting skills, child development) for their transition back to school. The City of Cape Town’s facilities for basic antenatal care revealed that in 2025, 22,097 women accessed City Health facilities for basic antenatal care – 1,230 were teenagers under 18, which is a 1.2% increase from the previous year.

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