For hundreds of parents across South Africa, the most precious gift this Christmas was not found beneath the tree, but wrapped in a blanket and cradled in their arms.
By midday on Christmas Day (25 December) more than 700 babies had been welcomed in public health facilities across the country, with the first birth reported at Elim Hospital in Limpopo, according to the Department of Health.
Early figures recorded 217 births in Gauteng, followed by 106 in the Eastern Cape, 88 in Limpopo, 87 in Mpumalanga, 74 in KwaZulu-Natal, 53 in the North West, 32 each in the Free State and Western Cape, and 25 in the Northern Cape.
In the Western Cape, the first three Christmas babies were born shortly after midnight, with all three deliveries recorded between 00:00 and 00:18.
The first baby, a girl weighing 3.5kg, was born at exactly 00:00 at Helderberg Hospital in Somerset West to mother Zizibele Silo. Four minutes later, at 00:04, a second baby girl weighing 2.1kg was delivered at Khayelitsha District Hospital to mother Alena Nkayi. The third Christmas baby, also a girl, was born at 00:18 at Worcester Hospital to mother Enid Asjan.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, congratulated the families and paid tribute to healthcare workers on duty during the festive season.
“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, reminding us of hope and renewal during this season of joy. We extend our 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 Wenger.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness emphasised the importance of the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, from conception, as a critical period for physical, social and brain development. This once-in-a-lifetime window provides an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for lifelong health, learning and positive relationships. Parents are encouraged to support their children’s development through adequate nutrition, timely immunisations and early stimulation, including reading to their children.
In the Northern Cape, the arrival of 25 babies at public health facilities on 25 December made the celebrations all the more fitting. Between midnight and midday, 14 baby boys and 11 baby girls were delivered safely.
Among the new mothers were two 18-year-olds and one 16-year-old, highlighting the ongoing importance of maternal health support for young mothers, the Northern Cape Department of Health said in a statement.
The province’s first Christmas baby, a healthy boy weighing 3.63kg, was born at Wege Community Health Centre in Hopetown at 00:30.
Acting MEC for Health, Mase Manopole, congratulated the new families and commended healthcare workers for their dedication and sacrifice during the festive season.
- An enquiry has been sent to the national Department of Health for updated figures. Their comment will be added once received.
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