A season of new beginnings Gauteng welcomed 428 babies on Christmas Day, marking a hopeful festive moment across public hospitals. Picture Credit: WhatsOnGauteng
By Aisha Zardad
Gauteng – Gauteng’s public health facilities experienced a busy and meaningful Christmas Day as at least 428 babies were born across the province, bringing moments of joy, hope and reflection to hospitals during the festive season.
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, 222 of the newborns were girls, with deliveries spread across several major healthcare facilities. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital recorded the highest number of births on the day, welcoming 38 babies, followed by Tembisa Hospital with 35 deliveries. Mamelodi Day Hospital also reported a significant number of Christmas arrivals, recording 30 births.
Adding to the festive significance were the births of four sets of twin girls, each delivered at different hospitals across the province. The twin births were recorded at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Tembisa Hospital, and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, highlighting the scale and diversity of deliveries taking place on the day.
While Christmas Day traditionally symbolises celebration and family, health authorities also used the occasion to draw attention to ongoing social challenges. Among the new mothers was a 16-year-old girl who gave birth at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital on Christmas morning. Nationally, by midday on Christmas Day, the Department of Health had already recorded more than 30 teenage mothers among the 714 babies born across the country by noon.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the province remained deeply concerned about the impact of teenage pregnancy, noting that it often limits young people’s opportunities and disrupts their education and future prospects. She emphasised that the provincial government was working closely with schools, parents, community organisations and law enforcement to address the issue.
“Teenage pregnancy steals our children’s dreams and limits their opportunities,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said. She added that protecting children from sexual exploitation remained a priority, with the department collaborating with the justice system to ensure that those who abuse or prey on minors are held accountable.
The MEC further appealed to parents and community members to play an active role in safeguarding children. “Keeping our children safe is a responsibility we all share,” she said, urging communities to report any form of abuse or exploitation involving minors.
National statistics showed that Gauteng recorded the highest number of births on Christmas Day, followed by the Eastern Cape, reflecting the pressures and demands placed on healthcare workers during peak periods. The country’s first Christmas baby was born just after midnight at Elim Hospital in Limpopo, followed closely by two births recorded minutes later at Tonga Hospital in Mpumalanga and Elizabeth Ross District Hospital in the Free State.
Health authorities commended healthcare workers across the country for their dedication during the festive season, noting that many medical staff remained on duty to ensure safe deliveries and continued care for both mothers and newborns.
