Youth Lead the Conversation at the Teenage Pregnancy Indaba
- Simangaliso Motsepe
On 19 June 2025, the Eastern Cape Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and key implementing partners, convened a Teenage Pregnancy Indaba in East London. Themed #VibingAgainstTeenagePregnancy, the event created a vibrant, youth-driven space aimed at confronting the social, economic, and cultural drivers of teenage pregnancy in the province.
The Indaba served as a platform for open dialogue between young people and key stakeholders, reinforcing the urgent need for coordinated, long-term interventions. Discussions focused on practical solutions to reduce teenage pregnancy, expand access to sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS), and foster environments that enable young people to make informed, empowered choices about their futures.
Addressing the audience, Mr Melikhaya Lusiti, Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Civil Society Forum (CSF), delivered a firm message on accountability and protection: “We cannot accept a reality where children as young as ten are giving birth. Every birth involving a minor under 17 must be treated as statutory rape and reported by nurses, educators, and the community at large.”
Mr Lusiti also emphasised the dual risks of unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancy and HIV infection and advocated for the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), including the promising injectable version currently being introduced, as a proactive measure for HIV prevention among youth.
Youth voices played a central role during the Indaba, with participants highlighting the link between cultural practices and rising teenage pregnancy rates. One pressing issue raised was the impact of traditional male circumcision rites. Upon returning from the mountain, many boys are seen as “men” and are discouraged from using condoms, contributing to unsafe sexual practices and low condom uptake in the province.
Attendees also called for a more nuanced understanding of adolescent pregnancy data, particularly for girls aged 15 to 19, questioning whether pregnancies resulted from informed choices, cultural pressures, or coercive relationships. Understanding the circumstances and partner dynamics involved is essential for tailoring effective interventions.
The East London Indaba marked more than just another awareness event; it was a call to action. With young people at the centre, armed with accurate information, community support, and a sense of agency, #VibingAgainstTeenagePregnancy is not just a campaign slogan, it’s a movement for lasting change.