35 Leap year babies born in public health facilities (from 00:00 - 10:30)

By 10:30 on 29 February (Leap Day), the births of 35 babies have been reported by public health facilities throughout the Western Cape, comprising of 12 boys and 23 girls.

The first, a boy born at 00:04 at Tygerberg Hospital, weighing 4035 g and 51 cm in length, to mother Anne Gogela and father Thandisizwe Gilmani. The second, a girl, was born at 00:06 at Gugulethu Community Health Clinic, weighing 2580 g and 52 cm in length, to mother Sivuyile Matewu. The third, a girl born at 00:10 at Retreat Community Health Centre, weighing 2520 g and 48 cm in length, to mother Simbulele Tshingana and father Eric Maciye and the fourth a boy born at 00:10 at Khayelitsha District Hospital, weighing 3320 g and 53 cm in length, to mother Zimbini Sobekwwa. Tygerberg Hospital has been the busiest since midnight until now, with 6 births, followed by Gugulethu Community Health Clinic, Vanguard Community Health Clinic & MOU and Macassar Community Health Clinic with 4 births each.

“I would like to congratulate the new parents and share with them in their joys as new lives have been brought into this world on this very special day. We wish them the very best with the new additions to their families. May they live a long and healthy life. Remember that the first 1 000 days of a child’s life is very important, ensure that they are immunized and provide them with good nutrition and a safe environment," 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 Leap Day. We look forward to supporting parents and baby in their health journey when they bring their baby for their immunisations and check-ups.

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 will be reported during the day.

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