/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA condemns the alleged statement made by the Deputy Police Minister, Makhotso Sotyu, while addressing pupils at Hillary Mthethwa Secondary School in Tekwane North near Mbombela, where she reportedly stated that pregnant school girls should be expelled from school along with their boyfriends.
   
The Deputy Minister must apologise immediately for her irresponsible remarks.
      
The DA agrees that teenage pregnancy is a serious problem in South Africa, and must be constructively addressed. Young people should be encouraged to plan carefully when they want to have children.
   
     
But disrupting the schooling of young people is not the solution. It will only exacerbate the difficulty faced by young mothers in particular. Without an education, these young people will not have a fair chance at success in life.  
    
     
This kind of thinking is reckless and cannot be supported, particularly in women’s month. The Deputy Minister should be offering words of advice and encouragement and addressing the underlying socio-economic problems that lead to teenage pregnancy.
    
Minister Sotyu must apologise and withdraw her comment.