DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed at least 90 New Year’s babies so far.
But as celebrations continue across the province, authorities are sounding the alarm over teenage pregnancies.
This follows reports indicating that several girls as young as 15 years old gave birth on Christmas Day.
READ| Teenage pregnancies surge in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has issued a strong warning, reminding communities that the law is clear when it comes to underage sexual activity.
The MEC was speaking at a media briefing marking babies born since midnight.
“Any child who is 16 years and below does not have the legal standing to consent. Therefore, anyone who sleeps with someone under 16-years is committing rape," Simeane says
Simelane said the provincial government has developed an anti-teenage pregnancy strategy, which will involve multiple departments working together to address the issue.