Free State government departments failing to report child pregnancies as required by law

FREE STATE – The rising number of child and teenage pregnancies in the Free State has been described as shocking, highlighting the apparent failure of provincial government departments to comply with legal reporting requirements.

The Children’s Act (No. 38 of 2005) requires that all cases of pregnant minors be reported to authorities through Form 22 as suspected sexual assault or statutory rape, but preliminary responses to DA questions suggest serious compliance failures.

David Masoeu, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Health and Social Development in the Free State Legislature, said it cannot be accepted that child and teenage pregnancies continue to rise, affecting young lives.

“The apparent failure of Free State Government Departments to comply with the Children’s Act, which requires that all cases of pregnant minors be reported to the authorities through Form 22 as suspected sexual assault or statutory rape, is concerning,” Masoeu said.

Preliminary responses to the DA’s official questions in the Legislature show serious inconsistencies and, in some cases, an absence of reporting altogether. This raises urgent questions about whether provincial departments—particularly Health, Education, Social Development, and Community Safety—are fulfilling their legal duty to protect children and pursue perpetrators.

Children need combined efforts from every department, and that must be prioritised.

Masoeu demands that all government sectors—teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, and police officers—work together to protect children and teenagers from premature sexual activity.

“In cases where they are already exposed, they must be provided with the necessary support and education to prevent further harm,” he said.

He emphasised that all provincial departments must collaborate to address this crisis rather than function autonomously.

“Children need combined efforts from every department, and that must be prioritised,” Masoeu stated.

The DA will continue to ensure that Free State Government Departments are compelled to comply with legislative prescripts to ensure the safety of children.

The party’s intervention highlights broader concerns about inter-departmental coordination and compliance with child protection legislation in the province.