Hospital welcomes New Year babies
The couples wished their children a healthy and prosperous life.
Two Benoni couples began 2026 on a high note after welcoming their New Year babies at Life The Glynnwood Hospital on January 1.
The first arrival was baby girl Mahlabehwane, who was born at 09:14, weighing 2.88kg.
Proud first-time mother Kganya Mahlabehwane said she never expected to give birth on New Year’s Day, as her due date was January 16.
“While everyone was enjoying New Year’s Eve, I was in pain and didn’t realise my baby would arrive on January 1. With her being born on New Year’s Day, I believe she will do big things in life because she is a blessing,” she said.
The baby’s father, Bongiseni Nkwanyana, said he was overwhelmed with excitement.
“I am so excited because I wanted a girl and God blessed us with one,” he said.
The couple wished their daughter good health and a future filled with prosperity, happiness and kindness.
The second New Year baby, Keanu Staats, was born at 10:34, weighing 3.1kg.
His parents, Joadien and Zander Staats from Northmead, could not contain their joy as they admired their newborn son.
@benonicitytimes Two Benoni couples began 2026 on a high note after welcoming their New Year babies at Life The Glynnwood Hospital on January 1. #proudfather #newyearbabies
Joadien said she felt overwhelmed and grateful to give birth on New Year’s Day.
A beaming Zander said he was proud to finally have a baby boy, as the couple also have a four-year-old daughter.
Explaining the choice of name, the parents said Keanu means ‘cool breeze’ or ‘cool mountain breeze’ and is associated with refreshing natural phenomena.
They added that it also has an Irish connection linked to the name Keenan, meaning ‘little commander’.
The couple wished their son a happy, healthy and prosperous life as he began his journey on the first day of 2026.
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