KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, has called on parents and teachers to work together to end the high rate of teenage pregnancies in schools.
Speaking during her visit to Mphathesitha High School in Nkandla as part of the provincial government’s Operation Sukuma Sakhe, MEC Thusi said government was extremely concerned that some schools still had high rates of teenage pregnancies which had adverse effects on pupils' academic development.
"This is a serious problem that needs a holistic approach. Teachers alone cannot deal with this challenge and we therefore call on parents to work closely with teachers so that this can be addressed, "said MEC Thusi.
Mphathesitha High School is one of the schools that have experienced a high rate of teenage pregnancies in the past few years. There were 12 pregnancies in 2013 alone and through vigorous intervention that involved parents, teachers, the Department of Social Development and NGOs, the number drastically dropped to two in 2014.
"The manner in which Mphathesitha High School has dealt with the problem of pregnancies is highly commended and it should be copied by other schools which have a similar problem. Our government will continue offering support to ensure that we end teenage pregnancies. The Department of Social Development is always ready to offer professional counselling support to pupils," added MEC Thusi.
Teenage pregnancies did not only have adverse impact on pupils' academic development, but they also put their health at risk getting sexual transmitted diseases such as HIV and STDs, she added.
Thusi said teachers and parents should organise sessions where pupils will be taught about the implications of getting pregnant at a young age. "These sessions should also be attended by parents and they should be conducted by professionals such as social workers and community care workers. Mphathesitha High School has done this successfully." The MEC also donated school uniforms to needy pupils at Mphathesitha High School.
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