Gauteng State Hospitals Celebrate Arrival of 184 Babies by Noon on Christmas Day

Johannesburg – By midday on Christmas Day, Gauteng proudly announced the birth of 184 babies.

The MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, offered her heartfelt congratulations to the parents of the newborns delivered in public healthcare facilities across the province on this momentous occasion.

The department stated, “As of noon on December 25, 2024, we have documented a total of 184 newborns.”

On that festive day, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko, together with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, visited Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital.

During their visit, the officials distributed gifts to the cheerful mothers of the newborns, sharing in their happiness as they welcomed their new arrivals.

“Congratulations to all families,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

She also urged parents to ensure that their newborns receive vaccinations on the scheduled dates provided in the road to health care booklet to protect them from diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and meningitis.

“All vaccinations are available free of charge at public clinics and community healthcare centers in the province.”

Deputy Minister Nzuza encouraged the mothers of the newborns to register their children with the Department of Home Affairs right after birth at offices located in all Gauteng public hospitals.

“The process of registering in the national population register starts with the registration of birth; without it, children cannot fully access necessary services,” Deputy Minister Nzuza elaborated.

“In conjunction with the Department of Health nationally, we have simplified the registration process for parents by setting up Home Affairs offices within healthcare facilities,”

At Tembisa Hospital, the first baby to be born on Christmas Day was a girl, arriving just 12 minutes after midnight to 38-year-old Zandile Mqumba.

By midday, Tembisa Hospital had welcomed 16 newborns.

Mqumba expressed her appreciation for the gifts received by her and the other mothers and valued the convenience of registering her child and obtaining a birth certificate right on site.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko also officially reopened the newly refurbished 60-bed Female Medical Ward 12 at Tembisa Hospital, enhancing it with extra oxygen and suction points, improved ventilation, and a modernized nurse call system.

She stressed that these enhancements signify the department’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.