Education committee to tackle statutory rape, pit toilets

This forms part of a broader plan to address teenage pregnancy and encourage learners to remain in school.

Committee chairperson Joy Maimela briefed the media on Thursday about the challenges facing the education sector.

In South Africa, sexual acts involving children under 12 are automatically considered statutory rape, as children under this age cannot legally consent.

Recently, a 28-year-old man was arrested for statutory rape after a 13-year-old girl gave birth on Christmas Day in Seshego, Limpopo.

The Commission for Gender Equality has also emphasised the need for urgent measures to protect children from sexual abuse, particularly in light of the rising number of pregnancies among young girls.

A 2024 report by the Department of Health revealed that the number of underage children impregnated by older men continues to rise.

More than 2,000 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth at public healthcare facilities during the 2023/24 financial year.

The highest numbers were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (610 cases) and Gauteng (430 cases).

Meanwhile, 120,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 gave birth in the same period.

Maimela stressed that this challenge requires a collaborative approach from all sectors of society.

"Teenage pregnancy remains a significant challenge in South Africa, profoundly affecting the lives of young girls and broader society.

"Poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare services contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy. Instances of sexual violence and coercion, particularly involving older men, increase the vulnerability of young girls."

The committee plans to collaborate with other parliamentary committees to draft a concept to address this issue.

"We are doing this jointly because, among other things, it negatively affects young girls’ school completion. Many victims become pregnant as early as 10 years old. This calls for a collective approach.

"Public input will be sought in identified education districts and selected schools to improve the lived realities of learners, who are the primary victims of statutory rape.

"Addressing teenage pregnancy in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on education, healthcare access, and community involvement to safeguard the rights and futures of our young girls."

Maimela also expressed concern about the rising levels of teenage pregnancy and statutory rape.

"Despite improvements in school attendance and graduation rates, we are deeply concerned about the increasing levels of teenage pregnancy and the reports of statutory rape.

“As a committee, we won’t sit idly by and say this is a matter for other committees. We will play an active role in curbing this prevalent social issue."

Maimela called on NGOs that have worked with the department to join forces with the committee and communities to end teenage pregnancy.

In a separate issue, Maimela also committed to holding Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube accountable for her promise to eradicate pit toilets in schools by March.

Gwarube made the commitment on Wednesday during a visit to two schools in the Eastern Cape on the first day of the 2025 academic year.

Nearly 11,000 schools in the country lack a single flushing toilet, and 3,398 schools still rely on pit latrines.

 Furthermore, at least 25% of schools lack access to running water.

Reports show that as of July 2024, about 1,770 pit toilets were still in use at schools in Limpopo, despite a 2021 court order requiring the Limpopo Department of Education to replace all pit toilets in public schools in the province.

ALSO READ