By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – “Our future depends on the choices we make today, and we choose ourselves.” That was the message from learners across Maluti-a-Phofung as they united to say no to teenage pregnancy during a two-day awareness roadshow led by the Free State Department of Health.
Held at Mampoi Secondary School on 13 and 14 October, the campaign — organised in partnership with the Bakoena Royal Household and organisations such as loveLife — tackled the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people.
The second day of the programme was attended by Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, and Morena e Moholo Moremoholo Mopeli of the Bakoena Royal Household. Learners impressed both leaders with group presentations on the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy, focusing on peer pressure, self-respect, and decision-making.
“Peer pressure is one of the main causes of teenage pregnancy,” said Lebohang Molaba from Tseki High School. “When you fall pregnant or get sexually assaulted, the same friends who pressured you are the ones who spread rumours about you.”
From Nkhobiso High School, Nyalleng Tsawana urged her peers to focus on education. “Abstain and don’t ruin your life. When you fall pregnant, your friends move on, and you’re left behind. Knowing how hard your parents struggle, why bring another mouth to feed?” she said.
Lebohang Mokoena from Sekgutlong High School added, “Peer pressure makes you go against what you know is right and what your parents taught you.”
During her presentation, Mapelele Moshoahle from the Provincial TB Directorate reminded learners that early sexual activity carries serious health risks beyond pregnancy.
“There are STIs and HIV to worry about. Know the facts and seek help at clinics — it’s your life, take care of it,” she said.
In his keynote address, MEC Mahlatsi revealed that 286 teenage pregnancies were recorded in Maluti-a-Phofung between April and September 2025, and 561 across the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. He urged learners to value their bodies and make responsible choices.
“Abstaining is important because sometimes your sexual organs transport you to a level your body is not ready for,” Mahlatsi said. He also warned that cases involving underage mothers would be investigated as statutory rape.
Morena e Moholo Mopeli commended the initiative, praising the learners’ maturity. “Hearing young people say ‘books before boys’ gives me hope. Our future depends on decisions made today,” he said.
The event ended with a powerful reminder: self-awareness, communication, and abstinence remain the strongest tools to protect young people’s futures.
