The DA Women’s Network in the Eastern Cape is outraged that girls as young as 10 are being robbed of their childhood and forced to endure the trauma of giving birth.
The Province has reported that 94 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 gave birth at public health facilities since April 2024.
This reveals that some parents are either oblivious or unaware of the fact that a sexual act with a minor under the age of 16 years is statutory rape and therefore a criminal offence. The DA has been informed of cases in which families have become complicit in covering up statutory rape by accepting “damages” – a cultural practice where a man pays a fine to the family of the girl who was impregnated outside of marriage. This practice is unacceptable when it involves exploitation of a minor.
The Sexual Offences Act states that anyone who is aware of the sexual exploitation of children has to report the offence to the police.
DAWN Eastern Cape is calling on the government to ramp up awareness campaigns for girls and parents. We demand prompt reporting of rape cases and zero tolerance for non-compliance. Parents who fail to report abuse must face the full force of the law. Government must enforce harsher penalties for perpetrators, ensure timely justice, and guarantee safeguarding measures to prevent child abuse.
The alarming prevalence of normalised rape culture in our province demands immediate attention and collective action. Parents and communities must join forces to protect our young girls, reporting suspicious activities and supporting victims.
DAWN in the Eastern Cape will stop at nothing to protect our women and children from abuse. Enough is enough.