Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by David Masoeu MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL. See attached written replies here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State has noted with concern the apparent failure of Free State Government Departments to comply with the Children’s Act (No. 38 of 2005), which requires that all cases of pregnant minors be reported to the authorities through Form 22 as suspected sexual assault or statutory rape.
The rising number of child and teenage pregnancies in the province is shocking. It cannot be accepted that child and teenage pregnancies continue to rise, affecting young lives.
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 the provincial departments, particularly Health, Education, Social Development and Community Safety are fulfilling their legal duty to protect children and pursue perpetrators.
The DA demands a province where all government sectors- teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers and police officers- work together to protect children and teenagers from premature sexual activity. And in cases where they are already exposed, they must be provided with the necessary support and education to prevent further harm.
Provincial departments must collaborate to address this crisis and not function autonomously. Children need combined efforts from every department and that must be prioritised.
The DA will continue to ensure that Free State Government Departments are compelled to comply with Legislative prescripts to ensure safety of children.