More than 20,000 teenage pregnancies were recorded in Gauteng between April 2024 and March 2025.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says this remains a concerning trend, as it shows that girls aged between 10 and 19 are often preyed upon by older men.
“Although this number decreased to 15,919 in 2025, it remains significantly high. This trend can be attributed to the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness and implement prevention campaigns.
The Department continues to intensify school health programmes and youth-friendly services to combat teenage pregnancy and raise awareness on sexual education,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Nkomo-Ralehoko issued a stern warning to older men who continue to prey on young girls in the province, saying this also contributes to the high number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“My plea to older men is to stop enticing young girls with expensive gifts for Valentine’s Day, which ultimately destroy their futures. Such relationships often expose young girls to STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Our children belong in schools, pursuing their dreams, not in clinics treating preventable diseases. I therefore urge community members to report any sexual relationships involving minors.”