CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape welcomed its first residents of 2026 in the most precious way possible, with 28 babies born across public health facilities on New Year’s Day.
As the clock struck midnight on 1 January, Geneva Claasen became the proud mother of the year’s first baby – a healthy 3.8 kg boy delivered at Mowbray Maternity Hospital at exactly 00:00.
Just three minutes later, at 00:03, Paarl Hospital welcomed its own New Year baby – another boy weighing 3.5 kg. The third arrival came at 01:38 at Stellenbosch Hospital, where a baby girl weighing 3.2 kg made her debut.
Of the 28 babies born throughout the day, 17 were boys and 11 were girls, all delivered safely in the province’s public health facilities.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger welcomed these arrival, highlighting the province’s commitment to ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
“As we step into a new year, we celebrate the first precious lives born in 2026. We are reminded that the earliest moments of life shape everything that follows,” Wenger said. “In the Western Cape, our focus is on giving every child a strong and healthy start through quality care, support and skilled healthcare teams.”
The department is using the New Year births as an opportunity to remind parents about the critical importance of the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, from conception through their second birthday. During this crucial period, regular clinic visits provide access to essential services including immunizations, health education, and developmental check-ups.
Wenger stressed that early investment in children’s health creates a foundation for lifelong success. “When we invest early, we help children grow, develop and thrive well into the future,” she noted.
The province’s health department encourages all new parents to take advantage of local clinic services, which are specifically designed to support families in giving their children the strongest possible foundation for a bright future.
- These figures were accurate as of 13:30 on 1 January 2026.
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