The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness announced that 253* babies were born at Western Cape public health facilities on 1 January. The total number reported from 00:00 on New Year’s Day, comprises of 107 boys and 146 girls.
The first baby born on New Year’s Day, a boy, was born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital at 00:00, weighing 4,06 kg to mother Mantombi Ndabezimbi. The second baby, a girl, was born at Khayelitsha District Hospital at 00:15, weighing 2,96 kg, to mother Sanelise Maku. The third baby, also a boy, was born at Worcester Hospital at 00:24, weighing 1,69 kg to mother, Caroline Hanekom.
Three sets of twins were born at Grabouw Community Health Centre, Tygerberg Hospital and Paarl Hospital respectively.
“With 1 January signalling the beginning of a new year, we as the Department of Health and Wellness are truly blessed to be entrusted with the delivery of these young ones. As the parents begin this new chapter of their lives, we encourage them to take note of the importance and impact the first 1 000 days has on a child’s life. In the next few years, we implore that children are given nutritious diets, that they are kept current with their immunisations, and that they enjoy a healthy and safe living environment. As minister, I wish everyone a Happy New Year,” said Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo.
“The Department congratulates the parents of all the new arrivals of 1 January. We look forward to being a part of their development journey. We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication.”
* The total is subject to change as more births are reported in the province. Figures correct as at 12:00 on 2 January.
