Saving Futures Newsletter Jan 2026

The Continuing South African Crisis Early pregnancy is a social, health and economic issue affecting the future of children in South Africa. According to Amnesty International South Africa, there has been a significant increase in the number of adolescent and young girls falling pregnant – ultimately girls who are giving birth from as young as 10 years old. 1 Stats SA recently reported over 100 000 births by teens Moms since January 2024. It is also important to note that these are the number of births, not the number of pregnancies – bearing in mind some pregnancies ended in abortions and miscarriages and 2 out of 3 babies that are abandoned are believed to be unrecorded statistics. Early pregnancy has a ripple effect in terms of the adverse impact that comes with it. Often these pregnancies result in these girls being forced to drop out of school or fall behind with their schoolwork. This also results in a cycle of poverty – them requiring public assistance, being stigmatised, and sometimes even being forced to marry early. Other factors such as gender inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, poor access to contraceptives (as well as limited education about the options available), barriers to accessing termination of pregnancy, as well as many healthcare system challenges, all negatively influence this problem further. Gender-based violence is also a contributing factor to early pregnancies, as up to one in three children under the age of 18 experienced sexual abuse. Saving Futures Our programme continued to support up to 500 young mothers and their babies, striving to ensure they do not become forgotten in the face of overwhelming challenges. Anchored in faith, we seek to offer holistic, sustainable assistance that addresses the many struggles these mothers face. We provided essential items such as food, baby formula, sanitary products, healthcare supplies, prams, toys and other necessities. We also provide emotional and spiritual support, and guide mothers with basic health and medical advice for their baby. We provided extra support just before Christmas with generous donations of food and clothes and gifts for the community. We continue to nurture our working collaborations with other organisations like the Jess Foord Foundation who offer free trauma counselling to survivors of rape, molestation and sexual assault, local retailers who supply damaged or expired products, local businesses, and service providers such as doctors, clinics and other NPOs.   Stories of Hope and God’s Grace Snothando Ngcobo from Ntshongweni carried her pregnancy to full term and welcomed her precious baby girl with love. In a heartbreaking turn, her daughter struggled to breathe and was rushed to the clinic, but was called home to be with the Lord. When we heard from her friend, we reached out to offer comfort and support. Despite her deep sorrow, Snothando has found peace in trusting that her little girl is safe in God’s embrace. She shared, “Perhaps God saw that I am still young and wants me to focus on building my future—that’s what I will do.” Snothando believes that this painful experience is part of God’s greater plan, finding strength and hope in her faith. Her love for baby Naledi (meaning ‘star’) endures, and whenever she gazes at the night sky, she feels a spiritual closeness to her. Her mother has been a steadfast source of comfort, praying with her and reminding her of God’s presence during moments of sadness. Nomcebo Sibisi was filled with doubt about returning to school after becoming a mother. The sense of shame weighed heavily on her heart, and she felt she had placed a burden on her mother and grandmother’s shoulders. Yet, through God’s grace and the Saving Futures programme, Nomcebo discovered she was not alone—many of her peers shared similar journeys, each striving to restore hope and build a brighter future. Fellowship, prayer, and encouragement within the programme helped open Nomcebo’s eyes, reminding her that God’s love lifts us out of despair and offers new beginnings. Now, she looks forward to the reopening of schools with renewed faith, determined to make her family proud and find redemption for past disappointments. Her mother reached out to express heartfelt gratitude, rejoicing in the transformation she has witnessed in her daughter, and offering thanks to Saving Futures for their spiritual guidance and insistence on continuing education. She also praises the support and prayers that have surrounded Nomcebo, helping her find strength and purpose in God’s plan. Lusanda Ngcobo graduated from the programme at age 21. She faced the loss of her mother at a young age, and after her grandmother also passed, she came under the care of her uncle. Life’s journey has not been easy, but Lusanda’s uncle has been a steadfast support, reflecting God’s provision in her life. Lusanda shared that she initially returned to school simply to remain part of the programme and benefit from its