Teenage pregnancy crisis blights Western Cape

New figures from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness have revealed that 296 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 fell pregnant during the 2024/25 financial year.

Child rights organisations and lawmakers say these are not simply cases of teenage pregnancy, but potential cases of child sexual abuse and statutory rape that require urgent criminal investigation.

The figures have reignited calls for stronger protection of children, greater accountability from law enforcement, and better prevention programmes.

To discuss this growing crisis, we are joined by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chairperson of the Western Cape Standing Committee on Social Development, and Siya Monakali from Ilitha Labantu.

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