A 12-year-old girl has given birth at a healthcare facility in Komani, located in the Chris Hani District Municipality of the Eastern Cape.
This situation has caused significant alarm for the Eastern Cape Department of Health, particularly during a time when they are celebrating new life.
On New Year’s Day, the MEC of Health, Ntandokazi Capa, was visiting Dora Nginza Hospital to distribute gifts to mothers who welcomed newborns.
As of today, at least 44 babies have been born across various hospitals in the province.
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Capa expressed her deep concern over the young mother’s circumstances, stating that the case raises grave issues related to statutory rap3.
“This is very saddening,” she noted. “We will work with relevant departments, including social development, to ensure accountability. We need to investigate the identity of the father and raise awareness among parents about the importance of educating their children regarding contraceptive options.”
The MEC urged the community to address these critical issues to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The health department’s focus will extend beyond immediate care to include educational initiatives and safeguarding measures for vulnerable youth.
