Eastern Cape Celebrates 50 New Year’s Babies Amid Concerns Over Teenage Pregnancy

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Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa,

Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape – 1 January 2025
The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, welcomed the birth of 50 New Year’s babies across the province today, but the joy was dampened by the troubling revelation of a 12-year-old girl giving birth at Frontier Provincial Hospital in Komani. The young mother and her baby have become a focal point of concern, highlighting the province’s ongoing battle against high teenage pregnancy rates.

Speaking during a media briefing at Dora Nginza Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay, MEC Capa confirmed that among the 50 babies born by 10:00 a.m., 13 were delivered at Dora Nginza, the province’s busiest maternity ward. The MEC also addressed broader systemic issues, including under-resourced healthcare facilities, teenage pregnancies, and strategies to combat them in 2025.

A Young Mother and the Fight Against Teenage Pregnancy

The birth of a child to a 12-year-old mother and her 17-year-old partner at Frontier Provincial Hospital has ignited discussions on statutory rape and the role of societal structures in addressing the vulnerabilities of young girls. The Eastern Cape Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, has taken immediate action, ensuring that the young mother remains in hospital while investigations continue.

MEC Capa stated:

“We are working closely with the Department of Social Development and the family to decide the best way forward. The father of the baby, though still a minor at 17, is above the legal age of consent, and this situation constitutes statutory rape. We are committed to ensuring that justice prevails while providing the necessary care and support to the young mother and her child.”

Rising Teenage Pregnancy Rates in the Eastern Cape

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical issue in the Eastern Cape, with statistics showing that between April and October 2024, over 4,000 girls aged 10 to 19 gave birth in public hospitals. Alarmingly, 94 of these girls were aged between 10 and 14. The province ranks third nationally for teenage pregnancies, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive interventions.

During the briefing, MEC Capa revealed shocking statistics from her recent visits to schools, citing one instance where 27 learners, including 14 in a single classroom, were pregnant. “This indicates that our current strategies are not yielding the desired results. We need to strengthen our approach and involve communities, traditional leaders, and parents in addressing this crisis,” she said.

Integrated School Health Programmes and Community Engagement

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has implemented initiatives such as the Integrated School Health Programme and established over 500 youth zones in healthcare facilities to address teenage pregnancy. However, these efforts need reinforcement. MEC Capa emphasised the need for a collaborative approach, engaging traditional leaders, parents, and non-governmental organisations to create a support network for young girls.

“We must address the root causes of teenage pregnancy, including socio-economic factors, lack of access to sexual health education, and cultural practices. Communities have a significant role to play in protecting their children,” she added.

Abandoned Newborn Sparks Concern

In addition to celebrating the New Year’s births, MEC Capa addressed reports of an abandoned newborn found in a black plastic bag near Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. The baby, discovered by residents who noticed a foul smell emanating from the bag, was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. Authorities confirmed that the infant is in stable condition and investigations into the incident are underway.

“We condemn the abandonment of newborns in the strongest terms. Our healthcare facilities are always open to provide assistance to mothers in distress. We urge the public to report any cases of suspected child abandonment to the authorities,” Capa stated.

Under-Resourced Healthcare Facilities

Dora Nginza Hospital, known for its high maternity workload, continues to face challenges with resource shortages. MEC Capa acknowledged the need for additional funding and support to improve conditions at hospitals and clinics across the province.

“We cannot ignore the reality that some of our healthcare facilities are under-resourced. At Dora Nginza, we have seen mothers sleeping on floors in previous years. This is unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring that all mothers and their newborns receive dignified care,” she said.

Celebrating New Life and Supporting Mothers

Despite these challenges, the arrival of 50 New Year’s babies brought joy and hope to families across the Eastern Cape. Mothers received hampers and gifts from the department, while healthcare workers were commended for their dedication.

“These newborns represent new beginnings for their families and our province. As a government, we are committed to supporting these children and their parents, ensuring they have access to essential services such as early birth registration and social grants,” MEC Capa said.

Plans for 2025: Strengthening Healthcare and Tackling Teenage Pregnancy

Looking ahead, the Eastern Cape Department of Health has outlined several priorities for 2025, including:
1. Enhanced Reproductive Health Education
Expanding the Integrated School Health Programme to include comprehensive sexual health education in schools and communities, with a focus on rural areas.
2. Community Engagement
Partnering with traditional leaders, parents, and local organisations to address cultural practices and socio-economic factors contributing to teenage pregnancy.
3. Improved Healthcare Facilities
Securing additional resources to upgrade maternity wards and ensure adequate staffing, equipment, and supplies.
4. Youth-Friendly Services
Increasing the number of youth zones in healthcare facilities and providing confidential services tailored to the needs of young people.
5. Stronger Legal Frameworks
Collaborating with law enforcement and social services to address statutory rape cases and protect vulnerable children.

A Message of Hope and Responsibility

MEC Capa concluded her address with a call for collective responsibility, urging all sectors of society to work together to protect and empower the province’s youth. She also praised the healthcare workers who tirelessly serve communities under challenging conditions.

“To the people of the Eastern Cape, let us make 2025 a year of action. Together, we can address the challenges we face and create a safer, healthier environment for our children. These New Year’s babies are a reminder of the hope and possibilities that lie ahead,” she said.

Public Reaction and Social Media Discussions

News of the 12-year-old mother and the abandoned newborn sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms. Many called for stricter measures to combat teenage pregnancies and support vulnerable families. Others praised the Eastern Cape Department of Health for its swift response and commitment to addressing these issues.

Healthcare advocacy groups have also weighed in, urging the government to prioritise funding for reproductive health education and maternal care. “Teenage pregnancy is not just a health issue; it is a societal challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach,” one organisation stated on Twitter.

Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa,
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa,

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