There’s growing concern that 296 babies were born to very young mothers in the Province in recent years. These girls were aged 10 to 14 years during the 2024/25 financial year.

There’s growing concern that 296 babies were born to very young mothers

The MPP and the DA’s Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, has expressed concern about the matter. She says the 296 pregnancies raise serious concerns about child abuse.

The MPP says this is evidence of child sexual abuse

Kaizer-Philander says the statistics were released by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. She says it should raise the alarm among residents. The MPP added that when a child as young as 10 years old presents as pregnant, there can be no ambiguity. She says this is evidence of child sexual abuse and, at a minimum, statutory rape. Kaizer-Philander added that such cases must be reported to the South African Police Service. It should also be investigated without delay, as required by law.

Children must be protected

Kaizer-Philander, who is also the DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, added that the party is unequivocal in its position that children must be protected. She says perpetrators must be held accountable, and every institution with a legal duty to act must do so without hesitation.

“Failure to report, investigate, and prosecute cases of child rape and statutory rape not only denies victims justice but also encourages a culture of impunity for perpetrators,” she added.

 

High number of teenage pregnancies in the province

The MPP added that the Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Parliament will call the Departments of Social Development, Education, and Health and Wellness, together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, to appear before the committee. She says the committee will rigorously assess the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at addressing teenage pregnancy, child sexual abuse, and statutory rape. This will happen at the same time, while they identify the factors contributing to the persistently high number of teenage pregnancies in the province.