Over 1 600 babies were born at public health facilities
across South Africa on Christmas Day.
Out of the 1 668 babies safely delivered, Chris Hani
Baragwanath Academic Hospital is amongst the health facilities which recorded
more deliveries (38 newborns) in the country, followed by Tembisa Provincial
Tertiary Hospital (35 newborns), both in Gauteng.
The number is 308 more compared to 1 360 babies delivered
this time in 2024.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of births nationwide
(428), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (302), Eastern Cape (187), Limpopo (182), Mpumalanga
(172), and Western Cape with 171 births. The North Westm Free State and
Northern Cape all recorded below 100 births on Christmas Day.
‘’The Department reiterates a call to mothers and families to ensure they register their bundles of joy with Home Affairs Department within 30 days of the birth. Most hospitals in the country offer this service at birth,’’ said Foster Mohale, Health Department spokesperson.
The Department of Health urged parents to invest in exclusive breastfeeding and child immunisation in order to protect babies from preventable deadly diseases and improve survival especially in the first months of life.
The first 2025 Christmas baby was welcomed at Elim Hospital
in Limpopo at midnight (00h00). This was followed by Tonga Hospital in
Mpumalanga and Elizabeth Ross District Hospital in Free State. The baby was
born two minutes later at 00h02.
Furthermore, the department remains committed to
strengthening maternal, neonatal and child health services. Meanwhile, the
department expressed concerned about the continued scourge of teenage mothers.
More than 30 teen mothers were recorded so far.
‘’A number of provinces have recorded numerous teen mothers
as young as 15 years old, who are amongst Christmas mothers,’’ said Foster
Mohale, Health spokesperson.
The Western Cape recorded 171 Christmas babies, comprising
of 80 boys and 91 girls.
The first three Christmas babies were born between 00:00
and 00:18. The first baby girl, who weighed 3.5kg, was born exactly at midnight
at Helderberg Hospital to mother Zizibele Silo.
Two sets of twins were also born at Tygerberg Hospital.
The first three Christmas babies were born between 00:00
and 00:18. The first baby girl, who weighed 3.5kg, was born at 00:00 at
Helderberg Hospital to mother Zizibele Silo.
COURTESY: WCDoH&WThe second baby girl was born at 00:04 at Khayelitsha
District Hospital to mother Alena Nkayi, weighing 2.1kg.
The third baby, another baby girl, was born at 00:18 at
Worcester Hospital to Mother Enid Asjan.
Two sets of twins were also born at Tygerberg Hospital. The
one set of twins, a boy and girl, were born between 16:48 and 16:58. The other
set of twins were two girls.
“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, a
reminder of hope and renewal during this season of joy. We extend heartfelt
congratulations to the families of these precious little ones. 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. Your unwavering commitment ensures that every child in the Western
Cape begins life with health, dignity, and the strongest foundation for the
future,” said Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC.
The provincial Department stressed the importance of the
first thousand days of a child’s life, from conception, are critical for their
development.
‘’The physical, social, and brain development that occurs
during this time presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a solid
foundation for health, learning, and positive relationships in the future. This
is an important time to support your child’s development through adequate
nutrition, immunisations, and by reading to your child,’’ it said.
Done By: Mitchum George
*THIS BLOG WAS UPDATED ON 27 DECEMBER 2025 AS THE DoH RELEASED THE FINAL FIGURES FOR CHRISTMAS BABIES 2025
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