​Teenage pregnancy continues to be a growing concern in South Africa, with many young girls facing life-changing consequences due to uninformed decisions. A 15-year-old girl from Meyerton in the Southern Corridor recently shared her experience, serving as a cautionary tale for other learners.
 
Speaking anonymously during the Boys and Girls Teenage Pregnancy and Gender-Based Violence Dialogue, she revealed how a single night of poor judgment led to her current situation. The dialogue, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in the Southern Corridor, aimed to educate learners about the dangers of unprotected sex and risky behaviours.

The young girl described how she was the life of the party at her boyfriend's 17th birthday celebration. The night was filled with music, laughter, and socializing until the early hours. Although rooms were prepared for guests, her boyfriend convinced her to step out with him to the shops. Upon returning, he pressured her into having sex, resulting in her pregnancy.

Now, she regrets the choices she made. "The bad thing about sleepovers is the lack of supervision, exposure to inappropriate content, and peer pressure. Parents should not allow their children to sleep over because that's where bad things happen, like unprotected sex and smoking hubbly," she cautioned.
Teenage pregnancy affects not only the young mother but also her family and community. Many young mothers drop out of school, struggle with stigma, and face emotional and financial difficulties.
 
Renolda Thoka, a Social Worker from the Eastern Corridor, emphasized that the purpose of the dialogue was to educate learners on making responsible choices. "Our goal is to promote the healthy physical, social, and psychological development of young people so they can become responsible members of society," she said. "It will also help reduce school dropouts and the emotional toll attached to early pregnancy."

During the event, Patricia Malinga had a strong message for young people that dating is not an achievement. "Don't allow a child to ruin your dreams. As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, we are here to protect children and ensure they grow up as children," she said.

According to the South African Government News Agency, an estimated 150,000 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 fell pregnant during the 2022/23 financial year. Disturbingly, some of these cases involved statutory rape, further highlighting the vulnerability of young girls.

Jabu Kele, a representative from the Department of Health, encouraged young people who are already sexually active to seek guidance on family planning and contraceptives. "We urge learners to visit clinics for accurate information on contraceptives. We also provide support groups for substance abuse. While we do not promote abortion, we encourage young people to access our facilities to make informed decisions," Kele explained.

Teen pregnancy is preventable, and young people must take responsibility for their futures. It is essential for parents, schools, and government institutions to work together to provide guidance, education, and protection for young learners.
For learners, the message is clear, your future is in your hands, think before you act, resist peer pressure, and make responsible choices that will protect your dreams.