42 babies born on Christmas Day in public health facilities

On 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day), the births of 42 babies* have been reported by public health facilities throughout the Western Cape, comprising of 23 boys and 19 girls.

The first, a girl, was born at 00:09 at Tygerberg Hospital, weighing 3 000 g and 49 cm in length, to mother Yonela Malgas. The second, a girl born at 00:10 at Vanguard Community Health Centre, weighing 3 410 g and 51 cm in length, to mother Priscilla Rufu. The third, a boy born at 00:16 at Paarl Hospital, weighing 2 760 g and 49 cm in length, to mother Ireen De Villiers. A set of twin sisters was born at 04:03 and 04:04 at Tygerberg Hospital to mother Asanda Sani.

To date, Tygerberg Hospital and Khayelistha District Hospital have been the busiest since midnight with five births each reported at these facilities, followed by four births at Vanguard Community Health Centre.

"I would like to congratulate all new parents on the birth of their babies on this very special day. We wish them the very best with new additions to their families. Remember that the first 1000 days of a child’s life is very important. Provide them with a safe environment and good nutrition," says Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo.

The Western Cape Government Health congratulates the parents on the safe delivery of all the new arrivals on Christmas Day. We also extend a sincere thank you to all our staff members, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.

* Kindly note that the number is subject to change as more births are reported during the day.

The next updated press statement will be issued at 14:00 today.

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