Mahikeng- Premier of the North West Province, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has announced
the implementation of a coordinated provincial response to reduce the scourge of teenage
pregnancy and strengthen support for adolescent mothers.
Premier Mokgosi who outlined this plan while delivering his State of the Province Address
at the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature recently, said the initiative
which will be led by the provincial Department of Health, will see the Departments of
Social Development and Education coming on board to implement this multi-sectoral
effort.
“The coordinated response will ensure a unified, evidence-driven response that protects
our girls, supports young mothers, and strengthens the wellbeing of communities,”
Premier Mokgosi told the legislature, adding that the scourge of teenage pregnancy in our
province, particularly among under-age girls, can no longer be normalised.
Teenage pregnancy in the North West Province is a critical concern for government, with
a 12.8% birth rate among women under 20, driving school dropouts and socioeconomic
instability. Significant concern has been raised regarding high rates of underage
pregnancy in areas like Setlagole and the Ditsobotla sub-district.
“Working hand in glove with the Departments of Social Development and Education, the
Department of Health has been assigned to lead this initiative, recognising that teenage
pregnancy is a downstream effect of broader social determinants including poverty, school
dropout, violence, and limited access to youth-friendly services,” maintains Premier
Mokgosi.
ENDS
Issued by the Office of the Premier
For enquiries, contact
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 064 756 2510/082 450 7842
E-mail: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za
OR
Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
