171 babies born in Western Cape hospitals on Christmas Day
Midwife Sr Ntshwaxu with new mother Elethu Qole at Khayelitsha Site B Clinic MOU
Image: Supplied
A total of 171 babies were born in public health facilities across the Western Cape on Christmas Day 2025, according to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
The births, recorded over the full 24-hour period on December 25, included 80 boys and 91 girls, marking a festive milestone for families and healthcare workers across the province.
The first three Christmas babies arrived within the first 18 minutes of the day. The first baby girl, weighing 3.5kg, was born at 12:00am at Helderberg Hospital to Zizibele Silo. A second baby girl followed at 12:04am at Khayelitsha District Hospital, born to Alena Nkayi and weighing 2.1kg. The third baby, also a girl, was born at 12:18am at Worcester Hospital to Enid Asjan.
Two sets of twins were also delivered at Tygerberg Hospital. One set — a boy and a girl — was born between 4:48pm and 4:58pm, while the second set consisted of two girls.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger congratulated families and praised healthcare workers who remained on duty during the festive period.
“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,” Wenger said.
She also paid tribute to healthcare staff working on Christmas Day. “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.”
The department reiterated the importance of the first 1 000 days of a child’s life, noting that this period is critical for physical, social and brain development. Parents were encouraged to support their children’s development through proper nutrition, immunisations and early learning, including reading.
The department congratulated all parents on the safe delivery of their babies and thanked midwives and healthcare staff for their commitment and service on the public holiday.
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Cape Argus