KZN welcomes 74 Christmas babies across province

KwaZulu-Natal has recorded and welcomed 74 babies on Christmas Day so far, including 39 girls and 35 boys, with three boys born at Ladysmith Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said on Thursday. 

''We are pleased to announce that, as of 7 am today, we have welcomed a total of 42 Christmas babies from healthcare facilities across the Province. This number was made up of 25 girls and 17 boys. But, as at 10h00, this number had risen to 74, with 39 girls and 35 boys,'' said Simelane. 

Another mother was in active labour and expected to deliver later in the day. 

Simelane described the arrival of the Christmas babies as a “special moment that reminds us that even in challenging times, life continues to gift us with hope.”

She noted that these children, who share a birthday with Jesus Christ, are a “powerful symbol of renewal, love, humility and new beginnings.”

“While these babies are arriving into families, they also belong to communities, to our province, and to a country that needs their light, their laughter, and their future contributions,” she said,

She added that she hoped they would grow up to be “carriers of kindness, builders of unity, and leaders of a more caring society.”

Simelane also took the opportunity to thank healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, cleaners, security, and support staff, for their dedication during the festive period.

“Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and today’s joy is also thanks to your sacrifices,” she said.

However, the MEC warned that the province’s new ambulances – 44 of which were recently unveiled in Durban – must be reserved for ''genuine emergencies – for accidents that cannot be avoided, for sudden illness, and for real crises – not for reckless, irresponsible or deliberate behaviour.”

She added, “Every accident steals not only lives, but also futures like those that we are welcoming and celebrating today,'' noting that accidents place “an unnecessary strain on our staff, who are already forced to do more with the limited resources that they have.”

The first Christmas babies of the province were born at Osindisweni and Vryheid hospitals at midnight. A boy weighing 2,73kg was born to a 19-year-old mother at Osindisweni, while Vryheid Hospital welcomed a 2,42kg girl born to a 25-year-old mother.

Simelane said nurses sometimes encourage mothers to wait just past midnight so their babies officially become Christmas babies.

While celebrating new life, MEC Simelane expressed concern about teenage pregnancy. She reported that three 15-year-olds gave birth on Christmas Day, with fathers aged 17, 18, and 19, and that similar numbers were recorded on Christmas Day last year.

She also noted 16-year-old mothers, including one impregnated by a 32-year-old man.

“We therefore call on older men, such as the 32-year-old who impregnated a 16-year-old, to just stop it! Iyani kontanga benu! Go to your age-mates!! Yekani ukuqinela abantwana bethu!!!” Simelane said.

“As men, you need to re-cultivate your conscience, and understand the harm you are causing.”

She urged parents to guide their children and have honest conversations about relationships, family planning, and life choices.

Simelane reminded young people and parents about the ABC approach to preventing teenage pregnancy and HIV: Abstain, Be faithful, Condomise.

“The safest choice is to delay sexual activity, especially at a young age. If you choose to be sexually active, be faithful to one partner and always use protection correctly and consistently,” she said.

Simelane also addressed the importance of child health, urging parents to ensure vaccinations according to the Road to Health Chart, describing vaccination as “not a choice – it is a necessity. It saves lives and protects children from serious illnesses such as measles, polio and tuberculosis.”

She added that exclusive breastfeeding for six months provides essential nutrition, strengthens immunity, and builds a deep bond between mother and child.

She called on fathers to support mothers and actively participate in raising their children.

Simelane extended her wishes to the Christmas babies and their families.

“May your lives be guided by love, joy and purpose. To the mothers and families, thank you – and congratulations once again for bringing new life into the world. You matter, you are valued, and you are not walking this journey alone.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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