President Zuma did not single out girls for criticism

11 March 2015

The Presidency has noted media reports on the remarks by President Jacob Zuma during the debate on his annual address to the National House of Traditional Leaders in Parliament yesterday, 10 March 2015 (see here).

President Zuma was emphasising the need for teenagers to focus on their studies and said children should not be raising children. In his remarks he referred to both boys and girls. The statements by commentators that the President singled out girl children only for criticism with regards to teenage pregnancy is incorrect.

The President also emphasised the correct use of child support grants, saying the money should be spent on the needs of children

The Presidency rejects any attempts to distort what the President said. 

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, March 11 2015

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