Chronicle Editor
Uzile Mkwananzi, Sunday News Reporter
A WORRYING number of primary and secondary school going girls are dropping out of school in Bubi District, Matabeleland North, after allegedly falling pregnant to illegal gold miners in a development that has been described as an affront not only to the fight against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/Aids but to girl child empowerment efforts being put in place by the Government.
Most of the girls are left nursing babies after being impregnated by illegal miners who usually disappear after that while some of the school going boys drop out to pursue illegal mining activities. In an interview with Sunday News, National Assembly member for Bubi Cde Simelisizwe Sibanda, who is also the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, said the trend where young school going girls from as low as Grade Six to secondary school were dropping out of school due to pregnancies was causing a headache in the district.
He said it was worrying that not only were the girls being impregnated but they were exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/Aids and therefore derailing the country’s efforts of ending the pandemic.
Cde Sibanda said reports from the Ministry of Health and Childcare showed an increased number of STIs and pregnancies of children below the age of 18.
“Reports from the Ministry of Health and Child Care shows a rapid increase of STIs, HIV and Aids, and pregnancies among girls under 18 years. The reports suggest that places with illegal mining contributed quite a higher percentage towards sexual abuse of the girl child. The fact that we have illegal mining activities going on in the district makes us vulnerable but action has to be taken to ensure the trend doesn’t continue,” said Cde Sibanda.
He said what was worrying was that the illegal panners were of no fixed abode which made it easier for them to commit such acts knowing that chances of them being identified were slim due to their nomadic nature.
“The illegal mining settlements have proved to harbor criminals and people of no fixed abode, people that cannot be traced. These are the people who easily commit crimes and sexually abuse young girls. These people are not accountable to the local leadership, including traditional leaders. In addition, there is quick money involved, they flash cash and lure our innocent girls.”
Cde Sibanda pointed out that poverty also plays a part in all that the district was experiencing.
“Most of these children come from poverty stricken households and they survive on selling food, alcohol and cigarettes to the panners. That is where they are mostly taken advantage of since the children will be in desperate need of money which they will be flashing.”
He urged communities to be guided by legislation put in place by the government to protect girl children from sexual abuse.
“We have Statutory Instrument two of 2024. S.I. 2 of 2024 [CAP. 10:20] Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Criminal Laws (Protection of Children and Young Persons)) Regulations, 2024. These regulations are meant to protect children from exploitation, including by illegal panners. The Government raised the age of consent from 16 years to 18 years to protect minors from sexual predators. In addition, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act criminalises sexual offenses against minors. These legal frameworks provide the basis for prosecuting perpetrators of child sexual offences. We also expect our traditional leaders to play a big role in strengthening the social fabric in the spirit of ‘ubuntu’. This cultivates a culture of respect within the communities but the problem is that these illegal miners report to no-one,” said Cde Sibanda.
He said efforts were also put to strengthen reporting mechanisms for cases of child pregnancies and sexual abuse. These include establishing helplines, child protection units within the police force, and child-friendly spaces where victims can report abuse in a safe and supportive environment.
“By implementing these measures, the Government aims to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of child pregnancies, ensure justice for survivors, and prevent future cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation. However, challenges remain, including the need for continued investment in law enforcement capacity, survivor support services, and community education efforts,” said Cde Sibanda.
The legislator said child pregnancies were often riddled with health complications that put the life of the child at serious risk.
“The Government recognises these challenges and provides free reproductive health care services and mental health support to address the physical and psychological impacts of child pregnancy. Through the Department of Social Welfare and its partners, it conducts comprehensive case management for pregnant minors with the aim of rehabilitating the minors through emotional support, trauma counselling, and guidance for rebuilding their lives.”
He said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education works hand in hand with communities to offer learners who become pregnant whilst in school guidance and counselling teachers as well as psychologists within the ministry, adding that child pregnancy should not mark the end of one’s academic journey.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter