MEC: Protect your bundles of joy

GAUTENG boasts the highest number of babies born on Christmas Day with 387, making it the highest number of babies born on the day in Mzansi.

In total, Mzansi’s public health facilities safely delivered 1 708 healthy on Christmas Day as compared to 1 414 delivered in 2022. This number consists of 840 baby boys and 868 baby girls.

Health spokesman Foster Mohale congratulated health workers, especially the midwives for the successful and safe delivery of these bundles of joy and wished all parents, including more than 145 teen mothers, all the best throughout their parenting journey.

Likhona Dengana (23) with her princess, who was born on Christmas Day at Site B Clinic in Khayelitsha. Photo by Lulekwa Mbadamane

“The department is scaling up human milk banking for survival and healthy growth of babies born to mothers who are unable to breastfeed to ensure no baby is deprived of nutritious breastmilk,” he said.

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With regards to the high number of teens who gave birth, Gauteng MEC of Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said they will work very closely with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Education to ensure they help young mothers and to also ensure those who are supposed to go to school do go back. 

“The message we are sending to all mothers is that they must protect their children,” she said.

Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed babies born at Sebokeng Hospital on Christmas Day. Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng

The MEC also urged the mothers of newborn babies to ensure their babies are registered immediately after birth through the Department of Home Affairs offices across all Gauteng public hospitals.

“We would also like to urge parents to ensure their bundles of joy get immunisation to protect them against diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and meningitis. Immunisation is free at all public clinics and community healthcare centres in the province,” she said.