“Not Surprised”: Mzansi Reacts to Teenage Pregnancy Statistics by Province

• A provincial breakdown of teenage pregnancy figures sparked serious conversations across South Africa
• The data highlighted sharp differences between provinces, reflecting deeper social challenges in the country
• Many social media users online saw the statistics as a wake-up call rather than just numbers on a table

These figures didn’t just rank provinces, they exposed uncomfortable truths many prefer not to face, forcing people to look beyond the charts and percentages and confront the real lives, choices and circumstances behind the numbers, where policy gaps, poverty, education and family support all quietly collide.

South Africans took to social media after a table showing teenage pregnancy statistics by province was shared, sparking wide discussion. The statistics were issued by the Department of Home Affairs in January 2026 and presented data from 2025 in a post shared on TikTok by @sphesihleliyanda, breaking down total teenage pregnancies, successful births, and each province’s contribution to the national total. The post highlighted that the Eastern Cape ranked first, followed closely by the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga, while the Western Cape recorded the lowest figures.

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The data showed clear provincial patterns that reflect deeper social and economic realities. Provinces like the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape have long struggled with limited access to healthcare services, youth development programmes, and consistent sexual education. In contrast, provinces with lower figures often benefit from better access to clinics, school-based interventions, and community awareness initiatives. The statistics also pointed to the gap between reported pregnancies and successful births, reminding many that teenage pregnancy carries serious health and social risks for both young mothers and their children.

Teenage pregnancy trends raise national concern

The post touched on an issue that affects families across the country. Many people saw their own communities reflected in the rankings, especially those from provinces that topped the list. The post by user @sphesihleliyanda became a point of conversation not just because of the numbers, but because it forced a national reflection on whether enough is being done to support teenagers before they reach crisis points.

Social media users felt the statistics highlighted ongoing failures in education and parental guidance, while others called for stronger government intervention. The response showed that teenage pregnancy remains a sensitive but urgent issue that Mzansi can no longer ignore.

Here’s what Mzansi said

Sunshine commented:

“KZN being so low on the list shocks me.”

Siyanda_MJ said:

“I am concerned about the healthcare system in the Eastern Cape. Twenty-two thousand total pregnancies and only twelve thousand successful deliveries can’t all be abortions.”

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Alicia commented:

“Yini kanti inkinga nge Eastern Cape? Translation: What's really happening with Eastern Cape?"

Minenhle wrote:

“I knew this would turn into a battle between Eastern Cape and KZN."

The Dark Knight said:

“KZN being so low on the list shocks me, you were waiting to blame the Shembe church, angithi?”

MuofheTheLady commented:

“Remember, there are a lot of people who get pregnant and abort without going to a clinic or hospital."

Thakgatso Simphiwe Shozi wrote:

“Only KZN where all are successful, thank God."

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about teenage pregnancy

• The surprising number of teenage pregnancies in KwaZulu-Natal has left many concerned about the country’s youth.
• Almost 8,000 teenagers between the ages of 10 and 14 fell pregnant in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, between April 2024 and April 2025.
• South Africa welcomed dozens of newborns on New Year’s Day, but officials are raising concerns over teenage pregnancies.

Source: Briefly News