In the first quarter of 2025, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 3 653 cases of child abuse and neglect. The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, warned that the province is also struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancy.
“Umkhanyakude District Municipality is one of municipalities that are still battling with teenage pregnancy with a record of 11 deliveries for children between 10 – 14 years”, said DSD spokesperson, Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane.
She said the statistics were recorded between January to March 2025. According to Xulu-Lentsoane, 741 children between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old gave birth in KZN during the same period.
RAISING AWARENESS ON CHILD ABUSE
Since the beginning of May, Minister Tolashe has been visiting various parts of the country to raise awareness about Child Protection Month. Today, 23 May 2025, she is taking the campaign to a town bordering eSwatini, Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The Minister is the champion of the District Development Model and will be raising awareness on the plight of children in that area. While bringing all services of the department and its agencies, the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency”, said Xulu-Lentsoane.
“The Minister will be bringing all services of the DSD, including substance abuse prevention and Non-Profit Organisation compliance”, Xulu-Lentsoane continued.
She said other stakeholders like the Director General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, the Acting CEO of Sassa, Themba Matlou as well as the Acting CEO of NDA, Thabani Buthelezi, will also be at the roadshow to assist the public with their needs.
Additionally, Xulu-Lentsoane said members of the community will be able to make Sassa applications for all social grants.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE REMAINS A CONCERN FOR KZN
The department spokesperson said Minister Tolashe will also be meeting with the traditional leadership of Manguzi. She is anticipating that they will work as partners in the fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide.
“Minister Tolashe also co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 90-day acceleration to fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide”, she said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS CAUSING TEENAGE PREGNANCY STATS TO RISE DESPITE SA OFFERING FREE BIRTH CONTROL?
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