The Teddy Bear Foundation has called for enhanced partnerships to help retain learners who fall pregnant during their schooling years.
Foundation Director Dr Shaheda Omar expressed concern about the high number of pregnant teens who do not complete matric after falling pregnant. Her comments came during a discussion with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on Teenage Pregnancy and Mental Health.
According to Omar, this trend is largely driven by a lack of family support and the social stigma attached to teenage pregnancy.
“While teenage pregnancy must be discouraged, condemning and isolating pregnant learners is a disservice to their development and future. We need to ensure that all resources are mobilised—extra tuition, after-school support from educators, school materials, and special exam provisions—to help change this situation,” Omar said.
She also encouraged parents and guardians to seek professional assistance when needed, noting that teenage pregnancy can often leave families overwhelmed and distressed.
Teenage pregnancy remains one of South Africa’s leading socio-economic challenges, with statistics showing that between 120,000–150,000 girls aged 10–19 give birth each year. Factors contributing to its prevalence include sexual abuse, relationships with older men, poverty, and inadequate sexual and reproductive education.
The government has called on the Ministries of Basic Education, Health, Home Affairs, Social Development, and the South African Police Service to work together in investigating cases of teenage pregnancy, particularly where abuse may be involved.
