As the clock struck midnight, people everywhere welcomed
the New Year with celebrations, fireworks, and fresh hope for the months ahead,
and for some families, the New Year arrived with an unforgettable surprise.
Across hospitals, the first babies of the year were born
just moments after midnight, becoming this year’s New Year babies.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness announced
the arrival of 132 babies born in public health facilities across the province
on 1 January 2026, comprising of 66 boys and 66 girls
The first baby of the year, a baby boy, was born at Mowbray
Maternity Hospital at 00:00, weighing 3.8 kg, to proud mother Geneva Claasen.
A baby boy was born three minutes later at Paarl Hospital,
weighing 3.5 kg.
Third was a baby girl, born at Stellenbosch Hospital at
01:38, weighing 3.2 kg.
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Healthand Wellness, pictured with Sr Lydia Dreyer and mother Geneva Claasen at
Mowbray Maternity Hospital.
The department encouraged parents to embrace the
opportunities offered by their local clinics to support their babies’ early
development.
‘’The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception,
are critical for their health and well-being; and clinic visits provide access
to essential services such as immunisations, health education and regular
check-ups. These services are designed to help families start well, ensuring
their children have the strongest foundation for a bright future,’’ it said.
MEC Mireille Wenger, congratulated all parents and
caregivers on the safe delivery of their babies.
“As we step into a new year, we celebrate the first
precious lives born in 2026. We are reminded that the earliest moments of life
shape everything that follows. In the Western Cape, our focus is on giving
every child a strong and healthy start through quality care, support and skilled
healthcare teams. When we invest early, we help children grow, develop and
thrive well into the future.’’
‘’We also extend heartfelt thanks to our healthcare
workers, especially midwives, who sacrificed time with their own families to
provide exceptional care to others on this special day. As we embrace a new
year filled with possibility, let’s commit to giving our children the best
possible beginning. Together, we can help every family and new life start well!,’’
she added.
Done By: Mitchum George