Health and Wellness
(1) (a) What is the number of girls (i) under 15 years of age and (ii) between 15 and 19 years of age who fell pregnant in the province in (aa) 2019, (bb) 2020, (cc) 2021, (dd) 2022, (ee) 2023, (ff) 2024 and (gg) 2025 to date, (b) of the pregnancies of girls under 16 years of age, what is her Department’s response to this challenge;
(2) whether any specific action has been taken to investigate and report on the potential cases of statutory rape; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
(1)(a) The number of girls who gave birth in public health facilities in the Western Cape by age category and financial year is as follows:
| 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 (as of June 2025) |
Girls under 15 years: (10–14 years) | 324 | 303 | 385 | 365 | 286 | 296 | 58 |
Girls between 15 and 19 years of age | 11,099 | 10,986 | 10,769 | 10,123 | 10,621 | 11,152 | 1,696 |
(b) The department recognises the serious nature of pregnancies in girls under the age of 16 and continues to respond through strengthened health and community-based interventions. Factors contributing to adolescent pregnancies include limited contraceptive uptake, access barriers, social stigma surrounding reproductive health, gaps in sexual and reproductive health education, and broader socio-economic pressures that place young women at risk.
In response, the Western Cape Government is enhancing Youth Zones in health facilities, increasing access to contraception, expanding safe and legal termination of pregnancy services, and deepening community engagement. These interventions are aimed at improving access to adolescent-friendly services, promoting informed decision-making, and addressing underlying social risks.
(2) Yes, specific actions have been taken to ensure statutory reporting. Circular 83 of 2023, which provides guidance on completing Form 22 for suspected cases of statutory rape, has been issued to all service platforms. Advocacy sessions have been conducted with staff to ensure compliance. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness also collaborates with the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Police Service, and the Western Cape Department of Social Development to monitor and support reporting processes, particularly in cases involving statutory rape.
