Stanley Malematja argues that this law is essential to protect children who have been sexually abused and to deal with unwanted pregnancies.

His remarks follow a recent case of a 12-year-old girl who gave birth on New Year’s Day in the Eastern Cape, which has sparked debates, with some parents suggesting that children’s rights have contributed to the rising rate of teenage pregnancies.

Malematja elaborates “There have been stories in the country where children are actually impregnated by those who are supposed to be protecting them and this includes stepfathers, uncles also close neighbours, or even family friends. And to a certain extent what has been the issue is that we have seen also where an uncle or a stepfather is a breadwinner, the sole provider of that family where they take advantage of the vulnerability of the children and engage in sexual intercourse whether these children can consent or not. Therefore, leading to statutory rape.”

--SABC--