KwaZulu-Natal recorded 421 pregnancies among children aged between 10 and 14 years old during the 2025/26 financial year, representing almost three children being impregnated every two days in the province.
The figures, which point to widespread sexual abuse of minors, have prompted the Democratic Alliance to demand an urgent parliamentary hearing to address what it describes as systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
Angel Khanyile, DA spokesperson on Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, has written to the chairperson of Parliament’s Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Committee requesting a joint meeting involving multiple government departments and law enforcement agencies.
The DA says the statistics expose serious gaps in the country’s response to child sexual abuse, with too few perpetrators being prosecuted despite clear legal obligations to report suspected crimes.
Under South African law, children under 12 cannot consent to sex, while consent is not legally valid for those aged 12 to 16 except in limited peer-age exceptions. Child pregnancy often constitutes evidence of a crime requiring investigation.
However, the party says social workers frequently fail to report suspected crimes, police refuse to accept cases, or officials lack proper training to handle such matters. Complex paperwork and lengthy court processes also deter reporting by medical professionals.
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Both the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act and the Children’s Act impose mandatory reporting obligations when children under 16 become pregnant, as this creates reasonable suspicion of a sexual offence.
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The DA has called for the South African Police Service, departments of Social Development, Health and Basic Education, and the National Prosecuting Authority to attend the parliamentary hearing.
Khanyile said the meeting must address the divided approach between departments and establish coordinated systems to strengthen reporting mechanisms, improve case tracking, and ensure cases proceed to prosecution.
The party is demanding a unified reporting protocol, proper case tracking systems, and greater accountability to ensure perpetrators face justice.
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