Festive births: 171 babies celebrate their first Christmas in the Western Cape

As the first bells of Christmas Day rang out, Zizibele Silo ushered in the season of joy with the arrival of her baby girl at Helderberg Hospital.

Weighing a healthy 3.5kg, she became the very first of 171 babies welcomed into the world across public health facilities in the Western Cape, giving families and staff alike a festive reason to celebrate.

The second baby girl was born at 12.04am at Khayelitsha District Hospital to mother Alena Nkayi, weighing 2.1kg.

The third baby, another baby girl, was born at 12.18am at Worcester Hospital to Mother Enid Asjan.

Two sets of twins were also born at Tygerberg Hospital. The one set of twins, a boy and girl, were born between 4:48pm and 4:58pm. The other set of twins were two girls.

“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, a reminder of hope and renewal during this season of joy. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the families of these precious little ones,” said Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger.

“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.” 

The Department of Health said a total of 1668 babies were safely delivered on Christmas day this year across the country`s public health facilities.

The number is 308 more compared to 1360 babies delivered in 2024.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is among the health facilities which recorded more deliveries (38 newborns) in the country, followed by Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital (35 newborns).

The Department reiterated a call to mothers and families to ensure they register their bundles of joy with the Home Affairs department within 30 days of the birth.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga called for intensified efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy after 130 teenage mothers gave birth in public hospitals across South Africa on Christmas day.

The number of teenage mothers has slightly increased from 90 in 2024 to just over 130 this year.

Chikunga called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators, communities and social partners to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

She said adolescent pregnancy continues to undermine the health, education and future prospects of young people in South Africa, 

Chikunga described adolescent pregnancy as a serious social and developmental challenge.

“It often results in interrupted schooling, increased dropout rates, limited economic opportunities, and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence,” she said.

These consequences, Chikunga added, affect not only young girls but also young boys, families and communities at large.

“Preventing adolescent pregnancy is a shared responsibility. Teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge, self-confidence and support to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures,” she said.

She stressed that teenage boys must also be actively involved. 

“They need to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices.”

Cape Times