Gauteng confirms 184 Christmas Day births! Gauteng province experienced a heartwarming Christmas Day this year as it celebrated the birth of 184 newborns. These little bundles of joy were welcomed with immense love and support, marking a festive occasion that brought smiles and hope to many families.
A Special Visit to Tembisa Hospital
To honor the arrival of the newborns, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza, along with provincial government officials, visited Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni. The officials celebrated the joyous occasion with new parents, presenting them with hampers as a token of goodwill and support.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko shared her heartfelt sentiments about the journey of motherhood during the visit.
Christmas Day births
“I was so excited for the mothers; I am a mother too. So, when they are sitting in those beds, I know you need each and every person that can come and say to you, ‘this is what I am bringing for your child,’” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC also expressed how deeply moving it was to witness the joy on the faces of the new mothers.
“The excitement and the tears of joy that we have seen on them, it’s because of the good work that we are doing.”
The visit underscored the importance of community support in nurturing new life and highlighted the role of healthcare workers in making these moments possible.
Western Cape Welcomes 18 Christmas Babies
Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, 18 babies were born on Christmas Day, further spreading the festive cheer. These newborns, comprising eight boys and ten girls, were delivered between midnight and 11:30 a.m.
The Western Cape Health and Wellness Department emphasized the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, urging parents to actively support their children’s growth and development during this crucial period.
Dwayne Evans, a spokesperson for the department, shared the details of the first baby born in the province.
“The first little girl, weighing in at 3.26 kg, was born at 00:10 at Paarl Hospital,” said Evans.
He also expressed gratitude to the dedicated healthcare workers who made the safe delivery of the babies possible.
“We also send a sincere thank-you to all our staff members, including our midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.”
The Importance of Early Childhood Development
Both Gauteng and the Western Cape used the joyous occasion to reiterate the importance of early childhood development. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Ensuring proper nutrition, healthcare, and nurturing during this time sets the foundation for a healthy and productive life.
Government officials emphasized the need for parents to register their newborns promptly to secure their legal identities. This step enables children to access vital state services, including healthcare and education, as they grow.
Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza encouraged mothers to register their children before leaving the hospital.
“We urge mothers to never leave a hospital without having taken a birth certificate for their children. It is very, very important. We don’t want to meet a fully grown person who says, ‘I do not have an identity because they did not take a birth certificate.’”
Celebrating New Life Across South Africa
The birth of 202 babies on Christmas Day—184 in Gauteng and 18 in the Western Cape—brought joy to families and healthcare workers alike. These newborns symbolize hope, renewal, and the enduring spirit of life during the festive season.
Healthcare workers, midwives, and hospital staff were applauded for their commitment and dedication, ensuring that these little ones arrived safely into the world.
A Season of Gratitude and Hope
As South Africa welcomed these Christmas babies, the festive season took on an even deeper meaning. The stories of these new lives serve as a reminder of the joy and hope that the holiday season brings, as well as the importance of collective efforts in supporting families and nurturing the next generation.
With government officials, healthcare workers, and communities rallying together, the Christmas births in Gauteng and the Western Cape became a celebration of life, love, and unity.
The post Gauteng confirms 184 Christmas Day births appeared first on News365.co.za.