Increase in Teenage Mothers on Christmas Day Sparks Frustration Online From South Africans
- The number of teenage mothers giving birth on Christmas Day has increased in 2025 as compared to 2024
- The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has expressed concern about the increase
- South Africans weighed in on the increase in teen mothers, expressing frustration with the situation
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – There were more teen mothers giving birth on Christmas Day in 2025 than there were in 2024.
That’s according to the National Health Department, which confirmed that there were 1668 babies were born on Christmas Day. This is compared to the 1360 babies delivered during this time in 2024.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of newborns of all provinces, at 428.
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Department concerned by the increase in teenage parents
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has expressed concern about the increase in teenage births, noting that the number of teenage mothers increased from 90 in 2024 to 130 in 2025.
The department also called on teenagers, parents, educators and communities to intensify efforts to prevent these pregnancies. The department stated that teen pregnancies continued to undermine health and education for youngsters in the country.
“Teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge and self-confidence, support to make informed decisions about their bodies in future.
"Equally teenage boys must be actively engaged to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices,” said the department’s spokesperson, Cassius Selala.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans react to the statistics
Social media users weighed in on the latest statistics, sharing varied reactions to it.
Onalenna Tanamai exclaimed:
“The fathers better be teenagers also.”
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Alcina Birk asked:
“They said slightly from 90 to 130. Who's kidding whom? Grants for babies taking over from grants for the elderly who have paid their taxes all their working lives.”
Vusi Mapholoba stated:
“Nice, we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Christa Venter added:
“This is the most ridiculous situation. The whole country is now suddenly shocked by the number of teenage moms who gave birth on Christmas Day. Why doesn't somebody with authority demand the statistics from Home Affairs about the statistics for 2025 as a whole? Do those girls not count? How many of the men /boys who fathered these babies are being prosecuted for rape? This is such an empty article, just making statements about one day in the year's stats. Wake up.”
Margaret Van Der Lith claimed:
“Teenage pregnancies are driven by the R300 grant. Once a baby is born, it gets shipped off to the Gogo to raise, whilst the mother enjoys the money.”
Gift Mpho Sgivo suggested:
“As long as you are not 18, you should not get a child grant. They have to learn the hard way. And also, get a criminal record for getting pregnant before 18. Both the father and the mother.”
Kirei NA Imani agreed:
“As long as there is SASSA money, this will be a forever problem.”
Concern over teenage pregnancy sparks calls for action
In a related article, Dr Phophi Ramathuba called on law enforcement to intervene and protect teenage girls.
Briefly News reported that Dr Ramathuba made the call after 33 women gave birth to children in the province in 2023.
This included a 15-year-old who was the first to deliver a baby, just five minutes past midnight.
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Source: Briefly News
