The Eastern Cape Provincial Government is urging communities, parents, and next of kin to urgently report cases of child sexual offences following alarming reports of numerous young girls giving birth in state facilities between April and June this year.
According to the Eastern Cape Health Department, from April to July 2025, a total of 117 children aged between 10 and 14 years gave birth in public hospitals across the province. The highest numbers were recorded in the O.R. Tambo District, followed by Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay. Additionally, 4,752 teenagers aged 15 to 19 years gave birth in public facilities during the same period.
The Sexual Offences Act of 2007 explicitly makes it illegal for any individual to engage in sexual activities with children in these age groups. Furthermore, the Act mandates prosecution, even when both parties are minors within this age range, irrespective of alleged consent.
Section 54 (1) of the Act also requires any person with knowledge of a sexual offence committed against a child to report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Provincial police have confirmed that several rape cases involving minors have been opened, with some already making their way through the criminal justice system. However, three cases have been withdrawn, highlighting the challenges faced in addressing these incidents.
MEC for the Department of Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, strongly urged families and next of kin not to withdraw or drop charges in cases involving sexual offences against minors, emphasising that such actions undermine the justice system and hinder the course of the law.
She stated, “Withdrawing charges not only denies survivors the justice they deserve but also perpetuates cycles of abuse. Pursuing cases to their full conclusion is essential in protecting our children and ensuring accountability.”
The Provincial Government firmly condemns any adult engaging in sexual activities with minors, describing such acts as statutory rape, which will be addressed with the full force of the law.
“The statistics are deeply concerning. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. It is unacceptable that children as young as 10 years old are giving birth. The situation requires immediate intervention and collaboration to safeguard our youth. The Children’s Act of 2005, Section 110, places a legal obligation on all community members and professionals to report any suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Parents, guardians, neighbours, teachers, and community leaders must remain vigilant and proactive. Protecting children is a shared responsibility and cannot be left to the government alone,” Fanta said.
She added that children in the Eastern Cape face numerous challenges affecting their development.
“We have allocated over R103 million this financial year for programmes addressing children’s needs. Through Risiha sites, which provide community-based prevention and early intervention services, we are reaching over 22,000 vulnerable children. This is our first line of defence to ensure children are growing up in safe environments,” she highlighted.
Fanta also pointed out that 28 Child and Youth Care Centres are supported in the province, providing care for 1,373 children in need of protection. These interventions include temporary safe care, foster care, residential care and adoption services.
MEC for the Department of Health, Ntandokazi Capa, stressed that these numbers represent real children whose lives and futures are being irrevocably altered.
“These are not just figures; they are children whose innocence has been stolen, forcing them into adulthood far too early. Any form of sexual activity with a minor constitutes statutory rape, and we will never normalise or accept it. Each case reported in our facilities is addressed, and we continue collaboration with the Department of Social Development and SAPS to protect young girls,” Capa said.
To combat the rising incidence of teenage pregnancy, Capa noted that programmes emphasising prevention remain a focus, including youth-friendly services through Youth Zones in facilities, run by young nurses to reduce stigma and improve access to services. Through the Integrated School Health Programme, the Department of Health collaborates with the Department of Education and Social Development to deliver prevention initiatives and contraceptive services to learners.
Capa concluded by emphasising the need for enhanced collaboration: “Families, empowered communities and stakeholder partnerships are vital. The numbers may be alarming, but they serve as a call to action. We will not relent in safeguarding the future of our children.”
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, through its Executive Council, calls on families and communities to report any cases of sexual exploitation, abuse, or underage pregnancies. Protecting children from sexual predators is both a moral and legal obligation.
Behind every statistic stands a child whose dignity, safety, and future must be safeguarded. The Provincial Government remains committed to working with law enforcement, civil society, and communities to ensure that every child is protected.
