Province welcomes 172 babies on New Year’s Day

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, alongside Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, gathered at GJ Crookes Hospital on the South Coast to extend warm welcomes to the first newborn arrivals on New Year’s Day.

The provincial government said 172 babies were born on New Year's Day in KZN, comprising 94 girls and 78 boys. Among them, 28 teenage mothers were recorded, with the youngest being a 14-year-old.

Three sets of twins were also born in the province, including twin girls, a boy and a girl, and twin boys, with one sadly demised.

Ms Dube-Ncube highlighted the importance of creating a compassionate environment for new families, while Ms Simelane emphasised the role of healthcare facilities in providing essential care and support during childbirth.

Dr Phaahla spoke about ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, ensuring every mother and child receives the care they deserve.

Ms Dube-Ncube also took the opportunity to address broader societal issues during the event. She expressed concern about the global phenomenon of absent fathers and its severe consequences on children, stressing the need for awareness and action.

The premier also highlighted the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in KwaZulu-Natal, citing a recent report by the Department of Social Development.

Ms Dube-Ncube also spread some New Year's cheer by handing toys to children who are admitted in the GJ Crookes Hospital paediatric ward.