By Simtembile Mgidi
The Eastern Cape province welcomed a total of 187 newborn babies in its public and private hospitals on Christmas Day, December 25.
According to reports, 95 of the babies were boys, while 92 were girls. The births were recorded across all districts, with Nelson Mandela Bay leading with 53 births, followed by OR Tambo District with 36, and Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani Districts each recording 21 births.
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, expressed her delight at the new additions, while also highlighting the province’s ongoing efforts to address teenage pregnancy.
“No births were recorded in the 10-14-year age group,” Capa noted, adding that the department will continue to strengthen prevention programmes and expand access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.
In a separate event, Capa’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, visited Dora Nginza Hospital to hand over maternity support packs, donated by Future4Baby, to support new mothers.
The first baby born at Dora Nginza Hospital was to a 42-year-old mother, who wished to remain anonymous. “My pregnancy was smooth, and I’m grateful to the staff at Dora Nginza for their excellent care,” she said.
Dora Nginza Maternity Department Matron, Pamela Matshaya, described the arrivals as a “joyful Christmas gift.”
Daily Kasi News 