Plumtree Correspondent
MANGWE – There is growing concern over a sharp increase in teenage pregnancies in Mangwe, Matabeleland South, with a local councillor linking the rise directly to poor parenting and a lack of community support systems.
Mangwe district proportional representation councillor Lindiwe Dube expressed deep distress over the district’s worsening statistics, highlighting a troubling pattern in the community.
“We are seeing a tragic pattern where young girls attend evening events and return home pregnant,” Dube told Zim GBC News.
“This is contributing significantly to our high statistics. We need stronger support systems, including immediate and compassionate counselling at health facilities to guide these young mothers through the challenges they will face.”
Councillor Dube emphasised the critical need for outreach programmes to educate expectant mothers on the severe risks of unsafe termination of pregnancy, raising the alarm over potential illegal activities.
“We are concerned that someone may be supplying these vulnerable girls with abortion pills, and this is an issue we must address urgently to protect their lives,” she added.
To combat the crisis, Dube proposed a comprehensive community-wide awareness campaign.
“We need to use billboards and banners to educate everyone on the dangers of unsafe abortion and gender-based violence,” she said.
“We must create an environment where our community feels safe to speak openly and seek help, rather than suffering in silence with issues that endanger their lives and well-being.”
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