Breaking the silence: Church intervention strategies in addressing teenage pregnancy in South Africa

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Breaking the silence: Church intervention strategies in addressing teenage pregnancy in South Africa

Lufuluvhi M. Mudimeli & Hundzukani P. Khosa-Nkatini

Issue: Vol. 12 No.7 2026 Issue Article 1 pp. 264 – 274
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261271 Published online 19th August 2026.
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue that requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders. To break the silence around this dilemma, the church has a pivotal role in addressing teenage pregnancy by leveraging its moral authority through working collaboratively with multiple societal stakeholders. The article examined the unique role of the church as an influential institution that engages young people. It also highlights the importance of integrating the biblical message with the African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasises shared humanity and collective responsibility. The article used a qualitative research methodology and a scholarly literature review to examine how churches significantly shape communities’ moral and ethical values, making them potential agents in addressing teenage pregnancy. The church can reduce teenage pregnancy and break the silence by collaborating with other societal stakeholders to promote value-based education and moral accountability. The church’s role goes beyond preaching abstinence; it involves providing a comprehensive pastoral care strategy. This study emphasises the importance of involving both boys and girls in church-led interventions grounded in communal principles of the ubuntu philosophy. By harmonising these principles, the church can foster shared responsibility and provide a culturally grounded, sustainable model for addressing teenage pregnancy and related social ills.

Keywords: Intervention Strategies, Teenage Pregnancy, Church, Ubuntu, Sexual Education.

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AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Lufuluvhi M. Mudimeli is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department (HOD) in the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Venda. She specializes in Systematic Theology, with particular research interests in social justice, women, culture, church, gender, and leadership. Dr. Mudimeli is an alumnus of the Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) program, where she focused on religious pluralism. She has delivered addresses at numerous women’s conferences, gatherings, and fellowship events, inspiring and empowering audiences with insightful, impactful presentations. Her speaking engagements have focused on women’s leadership, the church, and community empowerment, earning her recognition as a respected and engaging speaker.

Hundzukani Portia Khosa holds a Doctorate in Theology from the University of Pretoria. She is an associate Professor at North-West University, School of Christian Ministry and Leadership. Prior to joining North-West University, she was a senior lecturer in the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Venda.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Mudimeli, Lufuluvhi M., and Hundzukani P. Khosa-Nkatini. “Breaking the silence: Church intervention strategies in addressing teenage pregnancy in South Africa.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 12, no.7 (2026): 264 – 274. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20261271