The study found birth rates among girls aged ten to 19 dropped consistently year-on-year. The most significant decline was recorded among girls aged ten to 14, where births fell by nearly 40%.

The study drew on data collected by the national department of health, which summarises monthly birth statistics from public health facilities nationwide.

In 2024, South Africa recorded more than 117,000 births among girls aged ten to 19, prompting urgent calls for action.

Wits University public health researcher Prof. Peter Barron said the numbers remain concerning. “It is still about 115,000 adolescents aged ten to 19 in 2025 who gave birth to a child, which is still 115,000 too many.”

“Any change in birth statistics above 2.5% is significant, and what we’ve seen in South Africa since 2021 is far beyond what we would normally expect.

“It’s not just adolescents; birth rates among women aged 20 to 39 have also dropped dramatically, and this downward trend has continued into 2026. There’s no single clear explanation, but factors like economic pressure, uncertainty after Covid, and possible behavioural changes are all likely contributing.”

The data shows consistent declines across all provinces and settings, which suggests this is a real and significant shift, even though we still need more research to understand why, he said.

Education and access to contraception remain critical in reducing teen pregnancies further. He also pointed to gender-based violence as a major, underreported factor. “A lot of teen pregnancy is the result of coercion and not just rape.”

Speaking at the Adolescent Pregnancy Indaba at the OR Tambo conference centre in November, deputy minister of justice and constitutional development Andries Nel said, “Adolescent pregnancy is not just a social challenge but a constitutional and justice issue that demands decisive action.”

It was also revealed at the indaba that 38,038 girls and teenagers gave birth at public health facilities between April and September, including 798 who were between the ages of ten and 14.

Teachers and principals are mandated to inform police and the department of social development immediately when they become aware of a case involving sexual abuse or exploitation of a child, said minister of basic education Siviwe Gwarube.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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