127* babies born at public health facilities in the cape metro on New Year's Day

Families around the Western Cape welcomed new little bundles of joy on New Year’s Day. At least 127* babies were born on 1 January 2020 throughout the Cape Metro at public health facilities. Of the newborns, 64 were girls, while 63 boys were born.

The first baby, a boy, was born at 00:47 at Mowbray Maternity Hospital, weighing 3,24 kg and 48 cm in length, to mother Siphosethu Seti. The second was a girl born at Karl Bremer at 01:26, weighing 2.14 kg and 48 cm in length, to mother Esethu Tyali. The third baby was a boy born at 01:53 at Tygerberg Hospital, weighing 2,86 kg, and 48 cm in length to mother Belinda Takawira.

Only one set of twins, two girls, were born at Tygerberg Hospital.

Western Cape Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo has congratulated the families of the newborns. “I wish to congratulate all parents on the safe arrival of their newborns and wish them many years of happiness and good health. May you cherish the time together with your little ones, as parenthood is one of the best journeys.”

A child’s health is most vulnerable during the first 1 000 days of its life. This period, from conception until a child’s second birthday, offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures. Minister Mbombo has emphasised the importance of the first 1 000 days of a baby’s life. 

“We as the Western Cape Government Health are excited to be part of this journey, from your baby’s first immunisation to their first steps, we are were to support you. I encourage all parents to remember the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. It is important to create a nurturing and healthy environment for your baby along with good nutrition, which can impact on a child’s ability to develop and learn. Ensure that your baby is fully immunised and follow the advice of health workers at your local clinic. Make time to play with your child and support him or her as they grow and develop. Remember to take care of yourself as well.”

Western Cape Government Health wishes to congratulate all parents on their new arrivals today. We express our sincere gratitude to all our health workers, including midwives, for their hard work and dedication on this special day.

The Department delivers a comprehensive package of child health services and we look forward to supporting all parents on this exciting journey.

Find out more about the first 1 000 days of a child’s life atwww.westerncape.gov.za/first-1000-days/or learn more about our child health services here:www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health/services/730/46524

* Kindly note that the total is subject to change as more births are reported and only include babies born in the Cape Metro.