Premier apologises for baby deaths

The premier of the Eastern Cape has apologised for the deaths of four new-born babies at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Nosimo Balindlela said in a statement her government had extended their deepest condolences to all the families affected. The incubators and ventilators that had kept the babies alive shut down during a power failure at the weekend, and a stand-by generator did not kick in. Balindlela said an investigation was underway to determine if there was any negligence, and to prevent future deaths. The national department would provide support and monitor the investigation to give answers to all questions, the premier added.