Angie Motshekga masks

Minister Angie Motshekga has discussed her department’s measures seeking to curb underage pregnancies. Image: GCIS/ Flickr

Motshekga: Department seeks more measures to prevent youth pregnancies

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says that her department is seeking out more measures in a bid to combat early pregnancy.

Angie Motshekga masks

Minister Angie Motshekga has discussed her department’s measures seeking to curb underage pregnancies. Image: GCIS/ Flickr

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the sector continues to engage with key role players and parents in a bid to prevent early and unintended pregnancy.

Speaking on Thursday, the Minister explained that interventions like ‘Let’s Talk EUP’, in conjunction with UNESCO’s support, was affording learners with a safe space for intergenerational dialogue on how to combat the issue.

“Our commitment is to strengthen the Comprehensive Sexuality Education offering in Life Orientation to ensure that learners are empowered with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and sexuality, prevent HIV infection and pregnancy, and focus on their education.”

Angie Motshekga
Minister Angie Motshekga has discussed her department’s measures seeking to curb underage pregnancies. Image: GCIS/ Flickr

Policy aims to provide support when early pregnancy occurs

Furthermore, Motshekga commented during a Social Cluster briefing in Tshwane that policies have been put into place to provide support to pregnant youths.

“Where early pregnancy occurs, the [Policy for the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy] will help the sector to support the pregnant learner, and ensure that care and support is provided so that the unfortunate occurrence does not impact negatively on their education.”

Alarming rise in early pregnancy prompts policy

Interestingly, the Department of Basic Education launched the policy last week after ‘alarming’ statistics on pregnancies occurring between the ages of 10 and 19.

Motshekga called on parents, caregivers and community members to help support and protect children.

“Especially because most of the time, pregnancy among children usually occurs as a result of sexual abuse and coerced sexual intercourse and sexual abuse”.

ECD function shift 

Motshekga further explains that the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Social Development have joined forces to ensure that a shift in function from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education of Early Childhood Development takes place from 1 April 2022.

“We know from international evidence that education systems will contribute to development only when they function optimally, and their component parts are focused on quality improvement, and aligned to ensure accountability for learning outcomes from early childhood and foundations to the more senior grades.”