Western Cape Welcomes New Lives with 253 Births on New Year’s Day

The jubilant start of the year was marked by the cries of newborns throughout the Western Cape as a total of 253 babies took their first breath in various public health facilities on January 1. Detailing the auspicious beginnings, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness revealed that 107 boys and 146 girls graced the region with their presence straight from the strike of the New Year.

Leading the cohort was a bouncing baby boy who was born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital, arriving precisely at midnight and bringing joy to Mantombi Ndabezimbi, while weighing a healthy 4,060 grams. Following closely was a little girl, introduced to the world at 12:15 am at Khayelitsha District Hospital, weighing 2,960 grams to the delight of Sanelise Maku.

Worcester Hospital welcomed another bundle of joy, a boy, at 12:24 am, weighing 1,695 grams, becoming the pride of Caroline Hanekom. These milestones coincided with the arrival of three sets of twins at Grabouw Community Health Centre, Tygerberg Hospital, and Paarl Hospital, which were specially highlighted by the department.

Echoing the significance of the occasion, Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, expressed joy and pride in the department’s role in welcoming these new lives. In her statement, Dr. Mbombo emphasized the importance of the critical first 1,000 days of a child's life, underlining it as a determinant of long-term health and well-being.

She took this opportunity to advise parents on the significance of proper nutrition, immunization, and providing a nurturing environment throughout these formative days. Dr. Mbombo sent her heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year to the families and expressed her desires for the continued partnership in these children’s growth and development journeys.

The department celebrated the safe arrival of the new citizens and extended gratitude to all the dedicated staff members, particularly the midwives, for their service on this special holiday.

As more births may be reported, the total figure of 253 babies could further increase, marking this New Year's Day as particularly memorable for the Western Cape. This auspicious beginning not only signifies hope for the families but also embodies the potential and future of the region.