“We are happy to announce the birth of 231 babies as reported by public health facilities throughout the Western Cape on Christmas Day,” confirmed Abulele Dyasi, communications officer with the Western Cape provincial Department of Health in the Khayelitsha East Sub-structure.
He added that the total number reported from 00:00 on 25 December, comprises 111 boys and 120 girls. Seven babies were born at Helderberg Hospital.
“The first three Christmas babies were born between 00:00 and 00:15. The first baby boy, Landon Matthew Joseph, was born at 00:00 at Mossel Bay Hospital, weighing 2.48kg to Nadine Joseph. The second baby Luphawo Twani also a boy, was born at 00:09 at Hanover Park CHC. The baby boy born to mother Andisiwe Twani, weighed 3.14kg. The third baby, also a boy, was born at 00:15 at Worcester Hospital to Rebekka Smit. The baby weighed 2.9kg.”
Further to that, two sets of twins were born, one at Mowbray Maternity Hospital and the other set at Tygerberg Hospital.
“I wish to congratulate those who will be celebrating the births of their children during this time of festivity. As you begin this journey of parenthood, let us work together as society and government to ensure that our precious ones are given a strong and stable start to their lives. Health is everyone’s business and children deserve to benefit from our collective action,” says Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo.
Dyasi says the Western Cape Government Health services believes that from conception, the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical for their development.
“The physical, social, and brain development that takes place during this time is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a solid foundation for health and learning and good relationships down the line. This is an important time to support your child’s development through adequate nutrition, immunisations, and by reading or talking to your child.”
Western Cape Government Health services congratulate the parents and staff on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals on Christmas Day.
“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 on this special day.”
