10 January, Emakhazeni, Mpumalanga – The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu concluded the first day of her outreach programme in Mpumalanga Province by visiting the SASSA Local Office in Emakhazeni where she interacted with teenage mothers and encouraged them to go back to school when the 2024 academic year kicks off next week.

The teenage mothers had visited the SASSA Local Office to apply for the Child Support for their newly born babies.

Over the festive period, the Department of Health reported that of the 1 703 babies that were born on New Year’s Day at public health facilities, at least 190 were of teenage mothers.

Minister Zulu encouraged teenage mothers not to lose hope, but rather use this as a learning curve because it is only through education that they can improve their lives and that of their new born babies.

“Teenage pregnancy is a serious threat to girls’ education as many drop out of school. I want to encourage you to learn from your mistakes of falling pregnant at this very young age. I encourage you to go back to school. This is the only way we can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty in many families across our country”, said Minister Zulu.

During the visit, Minister Zulu also applauded SASSA Local Office for taking proactive measures of installing an electricity back-up system to ensure there is no interruption in service delivery during load shedding periods.  

As part of the Ministerial Outreach Programme, Minister Zulu will today, Wednesday 10 January visit Sizimisele Youth Centre, a community-based organisation that render services to the rural and farming communities in Wonderfontein, Emakhazeni.

As learners and educators prepare for the kick of the 2024, Minister Zulu will hand over desk tops to five local schools in the area.

Members of the media are invited to join Minister Zulu’s visit to Sizimisele Youth Development Centre scheduled as follows:

Date:               Wednesday, 10 January 2024

Venue:            Wonderfontein, Emakhazeni-Mpumalanga

Time:              09h00-10h00

Media RSVPS may be forwarded to Ms Precious Mupenzi on 083 715 0034/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.              

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.