SA's 411 New Year's bundles of joy bounce into 2024

As the clock struck midnight on Monday, ushering in a New Year across South Africa, the first 11 hours of 2024 witnessed a joyous start with the arrival of 411 babies in state hospitals nationwide.

This heartwarming occasion was celebrated across the nation, with health officials and communities welcoming these tiny bundles of joy as symbols of hope and new beginnings.

Gauteng took the lead, welcoming 112 new lives between midnight and 9.30am. Among these precious arrivals were 59 boys and 53 girls, each bringing a unique spark of possibility to the world.

To mark this special occasion, Gauteng's health and wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, bringing warm wishes and gift hampers to the first babies born in the province.

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Nkomo-Ralehoko's heartfelt gesture resonated with the new mothers, sharing in their joy as they welcomed their "bundles of joy".

Six newborns, three boys and three girls, had already arrived at the hospital by the early hours of the morning, each filling the air with the promise of a brighter future.

Nkomo-Ralehoko also took the opportunity to provide the mothers with valuable information on baby registration and clinic services available to them.

While celebrating the new lives, Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the importance of raising awareness about teenage pregnancy prevention. Addressing the new mothers, she emphasised the need for teenagers to use contraceptives and other services provided by the government. 

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Health minister Joe Phaahla announced that Gauteng was followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 84 and Eastern Cape with 52.

The joyous spirit of welcoming new life extended across other provinces as well. In Limpopo, Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba's spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, expressed gratitude to all the parents who welcomed newborns on this special day.

The province saw 41 births, with a delightful balance of 20 girls and 21 boys. Notably, the Vhembe district recorded 12 births, followed by the Sekhukhune sistrict with 9.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said these New Year’s babies carry the hopes of everyone in the country.

She said:

Simelane said that they are the embodiment of dreams of a brighter and healthier future.

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In North West, health MEC Madoda Sambatha joined the celebrations at Tshepong hospital, welcoming 33 New Year's babies in the province, 20 boys and 13 girls.

He commended the successful deliveries and acknowledged the dedication of nurses who worked tirelessly through the festive period to ensure the safe arrival of each newborn.

"While everybody is at home celebrating the New Year, their New Year is to safely deliver babies safely," he said, applauding the nurses' commitment.