Western Cape public hospitals record at least 32 Christmas Day births

A total of 32 babies were born at public health facilities across the Western Cape on Christmas Day, according to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.

The births, recorded between midnight and 2:30pm on Thursday, December 25, included 11 boys and 21 girls. Health authorities said that the total may increase as additional births are reported.

The first three babies of Christmas Day were delivered within the first 18 minutes after midnight. The first was a baby girl born at exactly 00:00 at Helderberg Hospital, weighing 3.5kg. She was delivered to mother Zizibele Silo. Four minutes later, another baby girl weighing 2.1kg was born at Khayelitsha District Hospital to mother Alena Nkayi. The third birth, also a baby girl, took place at 00:18 at Worcester Hospital to mother Enid Asjan.

Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, congratulated the families and acknowledged the dedication of healthcare workers who remained on duty during the festive period.

“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, a reminder of hope and renewal during this season of joy. This miracle would not be possible without the dedication of healthcare workers who, even on Christmas Day, serve tirelessly - often away from their own loved ones - to care for others.”

The department reminded parents about the importance of the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, describing it as a critical period for physical, social, and brain development. Parents were encouraged to support early development through proper nutrition, timely immunisations, and early learning activities such as reading to children.

The department congratulated parents on the safe delivery of their babies and expressed gratitude to healthcare staff, including midwives, for their work on Christmas Day.

The National Department of Health said it welcomed 714 newborns delivered in public health facilities across the country between midnight and midday on Christmas Day.