Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - March 26, 2006
Victor Khupiso
THE Gauteng Education Department has placed teenage pregnancy at the top of its agenda after 2542 schoolgirls fell pregnant over the past two years.
Statistics released by the department show that Ingqayizivele Secondary School in Tembisa on the East Rand had, at 61, the highest number of pregnancies among all schools in the province over the period.
Beverly Hills High in Sebokeng on the Vaal was the second highest with 43 and Eketsang Secondary in Katlehong on the East Rand reported 36 cases.
Spokesman Mbela Phetlhe said Education MEC Angie Motshekga was "alarmed" at the figures, adding that pupils were now being taught "a far more intensive and aggressive life orientation course".
But the distribution of condoms to schools was not being considered. "We are not in a position to distribute condoms as it will encourage learners to engage in sexual activities."
He said the new syllabus focused on promoting healthy living for teens. "Learners do not fall pregnant at school ... it is a societal problem. Thus pupils are now being taught about making the right choices in life and living and practising healthy lifestyles."
Teachers at Ingqayizivele, meanwhile, were so concerned about the situation that they invited nurses to hold seminars for pupils throughout last year.
Principal Cass Sehloho said the school was now involving the Health and Justice departments as well as nongovernment organisations in a multi-pronged effort to alleviate the problem, he said.
Teacher Rahab Serite, who heads the school's Life Orientation programme, said all pupils were regularly taught about sex, HIV/Aids, the dangers of unprotected sex as well as what action to take if they are raped or molested.
"It was bad last year. It was if learners were competing. In one incident, a Grade 12 pupil gave birth in class but the baby unfortunately died because the ambulance took a long time to come."
The principal at Eketsang Secondary, Dan Sibeko, said innovative ways had to be devised to educate pupils.
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