South Africa has so far welcomed more than a 100 New Year’s babies.
Hospitals in Mpumalanga have recorded 69 babies – 37 boys and 32 girls.
The first baby was born at Themba Hospital just after midnight.
Health MEC Sasekani Manzini says: “Ehlanzeni had the highest number of 38 babies, which is 20 females and 18 males; followed by Nkangala with 16 babies – 7 females, and 9 males; Gert Sibande had 15 babies – 5 females and 10 males. The first baby was delivered in Themba Hospital, which is in the Mbombela Local Municipality”
KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed at least 47 New Year’s babies; 22 are boys and 25 girls. Among the happy mothers is Hlengiwe Nkosi who gave birth to a baby boy in oPhongolo and Slindile Mkhize who gave birth to twin girls – Siyamuthanda and Lethukuthula in Ulundi.
Head of the Provincial Health Department, Dr Sandile Shabalala, has encouraged mothers to breastfeed.
“We also want to state that it is important that when newborns come to life they be taken care of and all possible respects among these is that they be breastfed at least for the first six months, for the first 12 months. This creates a better immune system for them but also improves the bond between the mother and the child.”
69 babies born in Mpumalanga on New Year’s day:
The Northern Cape Health Department has recorded 26 new year babies across the province.
Several more are expected to be born later today.
The 26 babies include 12 girls and 14 boys.
Health MEC Maruping Lekwene says the first baby was born just a second after midnight at Galeshewe Day Hospital.
“We are really pleased and also welcoming these babies under a difficult period, the second wave of the pandemic. So, we are hoping that, as a department and even as government, the mothers of these young ones, that (they give the) babies enough love, and look after them because they are the future. But as the department, we are very happy and we wish a happy New Year and all of the best to everyone.”
Trauma cases
Mpumalanga’s Hospitals have registered a low number of trauma cases over the New Year’s celebrations amid Level three lockdown.
President Cyril Ramaphosa last week announced a return to level 3, which included a ban on alcohol sales until January 15th, when the situation will be reassessed.
Many hospitals in the country are treating large numbers of COVID–19 patients and they say the current restrictions have been helping to alleviate pressure from alcohol–related trauma.
