Welcoming new life: 32 newborns arrive in Western Cape on Christmas Day

Western Cape public health facilities welcomed 32 newborns on Christmas Day, as healthcare workers delivered festive joy across the province.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that 11 boys and 21 girls were born at public hospitals between 12.00am and midnight on December 25, 2025.

The first three Christmas babies arrived within the first 18 minutes of the day.

The first newborn, a baby girl weighing 3.5kg, was delivered at 12.00am at Helderberg Hospital to mother Zizibele Silo.

Just four minutes later, at 12.04am, another baby girl weighing 2.1kg was born at Khayelitsha District Hospital to mother Alena Nkayi.

The third Christmas baby, also a girl, was born at 12.18am at Worcester Hospital to mother Enid Asjan.

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger congratulated the families and praised healthcare workers who ensured safe deliveries on one of the year’s most significant public holidays.

“Welcoming new life at Christmas is a profound blessing, a reminder of hope and renewal during this season of joy. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the families of these precious little ones. This miracle would not be possible without the dedication of healthcare workers who, even on Christmas Day, serve tirelessly, often away from their own loved ones, to care for others. Your unwavering commitment ensures that every child in the Western Cape begins life with health, dignity, and the strongest foundation for the future,” Wenger said.

The department reiterated the importance of the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, from conception, describing it as a critical period for physical, social and brain development.

Health officials said this stage presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a strong foundation for long-term health, learning and positive relationships. Parents were encouraged to support early development through adequate nutrition, regular immunisations and by reading to their children.

The department congratulated all parents on the safe delivery of their babies and said it looked forward to supporting families throughout their children’s development journeys.

It also extended its sincere thanks to healthcare workers, including midwives and support staff, who remained on duty throughout Christmas Day to care for mothers and newborns across the Western Cape.

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Cape Argus