AS the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, the Eastern Cape welcomed 219 new little lives into the world at public health facilities across the region.
This marked an increase from the previous year’s 200 babies born on the same day. The first baby was a girl, arriving at Bhisho Hospital at 00:03, symbolising hope and new beginnings for many families.
Among the 219 newborns, 113 were girls and 106 were boys. This joyous occasion was highlighted by the visit of Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, who visited the Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha.
During her visit, MEC Capa and her team distributed gifts to the newborns and care packs to their mothers, aiming to share in their joy and celebrate with them.
“The MEC Capa’s visit was not only a celebration but also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with parenthood,” said the MEC’s spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase.
While the birth of new babies is always a cause for celebration, MEC Capa expressed concern over a case involving a 12-year-old mother. Upon learning about the young expectant mother during her antenatal care visits, the health department promptly involved law enforcement.
“As a department, we played our part by opening the case. We will follow this case up because there is no way that a 12-year-old can legally consent to sex. You can’t have a 12-year-old having a baby. It’s just unacceptable,” Capa stated emphatically.
This situation has highlighted the importance of enhancing sex education and parental guidance. MEC Capa emphasised the necessity for parents to play an active role in educating their children about the dangers of unprotected sex.
In collaboration with various stakeholders, the department is committed to intensifying sex education initiatives to empower the youth with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The visit to the Dora Nginza Hospital was further enriched by the presence of key local officials. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Yoliswa Jongilanga-Pali, joined MEC Capa, along with COO Dr Zukiso Rafael Nxiweni, Acting District Manager for Health Tandisizwe Ndamase, and Ward 25 Councillor, Anele Bell.
This collective visit aimed to celebrate and honour the new mothers who had begun their year by embracing motherhood.
Thirteen mothers were rewarded with gifts as tokens of gratitude for bringing new life into the world. MEC Capa shared her heartfelt gratitude and excitement during the visit, expressing her delight in being able to present the gifts to both the newborns and their mothers.
“Seeing these babies and their mothers on the first day of the year fills us with hope and joy as they embark on this new chapter,” said Capa.
This special day marked not only the beginning of the New Year but also the start of new journeys for 219 families. The Department of Health reiterated its commitment to supporting these families while also addressing societal issues that impact the well-being of young mothers.
“As the Eastern Cape embraces these bundles of joy, the department continues to be vigilant in safeguarding the health and rights of children and advocating for a brighter future for all,” Ndamase concluded.
