Mbabane – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has expressed concern over the growing number of underage pregnancies, saying that many parents and guardians are concealing these cases, making it difficult for authorities to intervene early. This comes amid reports from the Ministry of Health, as initially reported by Eswatini Observer, which show a rise in teenage pregnancies, particularly in Mbabane hospitals.
Senior Midwife Lindiwe Shongwe revealed that teenage mothers now account for about 14% of all deliveries at Mbabane Government Hospital, a figure that has raised alarm among health officials. Shongwe highlighted disturbing incidents, including the birth of twins by a 14-year-old on Christmas Day, followed by another 14-year-old giving birth at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital on New Year’s Day.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that parents’ failure to report such cases is hampering efforts by the government to take swift action. Authorities, she explained, often only learn about these pregnancies when minors give birth, by which time crucial evidence for legal action may be lost.
Dladla described the situation as “alarming” and urged parents and guardians to come forward and report cases of sexual abuse and teenage pregnancies. She stressed the importance of collaboration between families, the police, and the courts in addressing the issue effectively.
The Deputy Prime Minister also called for stricter laws, noting that many suspects in cases of sexual abuse are easily released on bail, which she believes emboldens offenders. She pointed to the case of a man who was sentenced to over 40 years for raping his daughter as an example of the need for stronger justice.
Dladla shared that this issue is not unique to Eswatini, noting similar challenges in South Africa and other countries. She stressed the importance of safeguarding young girls from early and forced motherhood, urging parents to remain vigilant about their children’s whereabouts and associations. She also warned against trusting anyone with their children, as cases of sexual abuse within families continue to rise.
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