It was all joy as mothers welcomed their newborn babies on New Year's Day. Gauteng recorded the most births with more than 203 babies by midday yesterday, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, which recorded 185 babies, and 118 from the Eastern Cape.
DEPARTMENT CONCERNED OVER TEEN MOTHERS
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed that over 653 babies were delivered at public health facilities between midnight and 5 pm yesterday. Mohale urged parents and carers to keep the bundle of joy up to date with all childcare services, including immunisation, to ensure they receive the care they need to thrive. However, Mohale said they were concerned with teenage girls who continue to be counted among these mothers, including a 12-year-old girl who delivered a healthy baby at the Frontier Hospital in Komani, Eastern Cape,' Mohale added. The young mother's baby is among 118 babies born yesterday across the province. MEC for Health in the Eastern Cape, Ntandokazi Capa, said they will work with relevant departments such as social development to ensure that someone is held accountable. "We are saddened about that; in one way or another, this is statutory rape, so we will rope in other departments. We need to find out who is the father of this baby and also call upon parents to educate their children, as there are many options for contraceptives, Capa said.
GAUTENG HAD THE MOST BABIES
Two hundred and three babies were delivered in public hospitals across Gauteng on the first day of 2025 by noon on New Year's Day. Provincial department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said academic hospitals delivered 31 babies, mostly from Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, with 20 babies. "Tertiary hospitals delivered a total of 12 babies. Tembisa Hospital and Kalafong Hospital delivered six babies each,' Modiba said. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who visited Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto yesterday to welcome the newly born babies, said each child born is a gift, bringing joy, hope, and love to families. "I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the dedicated staff in our maternity unit; your tireless efforts and commitments to excellence have ensured safe deliveries to countless families. As we celebrate the arrival of new life, it is imperative to highlight the vital role of immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding in safeguarding the health of infants. All parents must prioritise immunisation to protect their children from preventable diseases. Similarly, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides essential nutrients and strengthens their immune systems," she said. By noon yesterday, Limpopo had recorded 19 births, 24 in the Free State, 67 in Mpumalanga, and 32 in the Western Cape, while North West recorded 41 births and Northern Cape had 18 births.
