Social Development
In terms of section 110(1) of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005), when reporting cases of child and statutory rape where a girl has given birth, terminated a pregnancy, suffered a miscarriage or is currently pregnant:
(a) What is the total number of Form 22s received from (i) a designated child protection organisation, (ii) the Department of Health, (iii) the Department of Basic Education, (iv) members of the public and (v) the South African Police Service in (aa) 2020, (bb) 2021, (cc) 2022, (dd) 2023, (ee) 2024 and (ff) 2025 to date and (b) of these referrals received in (a) above, how many were handed over or notifications were given to the South African Police Service for investigation for suspected statutory rape or sexual abuse?
The Western Cape Department of Social Development’s Provincial Office does not receive Form 22s for child and statutory rape where a girl has given birth, terminated a pregnancy, suffered a miscarriage or is currently pregnant. The department receives Form 22s for sexual abuse of minors in general.
Furthermore, the office does not keep a database on teenage pregnancies caused by statutory rape or maintain a central record of births, terminations or miscarriages.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) keep records of the number of reported cases for investigation. There is currently no enabling legislation that requires reporting of teenage pregnancies to the Department of Social Development, however each sector (DCPO, NGO, Government, Public, etc) is legally obligated to report suspected abuse (Form 22) to DSD in terms of the Children’s Act.
