Fighting For The Future: Mec Mahlatsi And Mayor Seakge Join Boshoff Learners In The Fight Against Teenage Pregnancy

The initiative was further strengthened by the presence of partners including Soul City Institute, loveLife South Africa, the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA), and local government departments, highlighting a united, multi-sectoral response to challenges affecting young people.

The programme began with a stakeholder briefing at Seretse Community Hall, bringing together healthcare workers, educators, and local leaders to align on key issues in the Tokologo area.

The focus then shifted to learners, where the MEC and Mayor engaged directly with over 100. The students engaged in a meaningful dialogue on sexual and reproductive health, education, and personal responsibility.

A key highlight of the day was the open dialogue session, where learners shared their experiences and voiced what is needed to address gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy.

Addressing the learners, MEC Mahlatsi delivered a powerful message:
“Stop making yourselves photocopies of other people, especially your friends. Your destiny is in your hands.”

He encouraged young people to resist peer pressure and take ownership of their futures.

Both leaders listened attentively to the concerns and suggestions raised by students, reinforcing the importance of youth voices in shaping health programmes. The engagement underscored that health is not only about treatment, but also about prevention and informed decision-making.

Learners from Boshoff Combined School expressed appreciation for the initiative:
“We are grateful for this programme. It was productive, and we learned things we didn’t know,” shared one learner.

The Department of Health reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement, with plans to continue school-based dialogues across the Tokologo Municipality. MEC Mahlatsi also emphasised accountability, noting that where challenges cannot immediately be resolved, the Department will return with feedback.

Through collaboration between government, civil society, and community stakeholders, this initiative continues to build momentum toward a future where every young person is informed, empowered, and supported to make healthy life choices.