AS of 10:00 today, KwaZulu-Natal had welcomed 74 Christmas Day babies with 42 of the bundles of joy born by 07:00.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, who shared the figures during a visit to Ladysmith Hospital, said, “The province’s first Christmas babies were born at Osindisweni Hospital, and at Vryheid Hospital respectively, on the stroke of midnight. A boy weighing 2.73kg was born to a 19-year-old mother at Osindisweni; while Vryheid Hospital welcomed a girl weighing 2.42kg, who was born to a 25-year-old mother.”

Of the 74 births registered, 39 were girls and 35 boys. Simelane noted that in some cases, nurses gently encourage mothers whose labour begins just before midnight to delay delivery slightly so their babies can officially be recorded as Christmas Day births.

While celebrating the arrivals, the MEC used the moment to highlight serious concerns around teenage pregnancy. “It is highly disturbing that among the mothers giving birth today, we have three 15-year-olds,” she said, adding that two delivered at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital and one at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.

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She further revealed that a 16-year-old mother at Queen Nandi Regional Hospital was impregnated by a 32-year-old man, calling the situation “particularly shocking”. “We therefore call on older men to just stop it,” Simelane said. “Iyani kontanga benu (Go to your age-mates).”

The MEC stressed that teenage pregnancy remains a broader societal challenge that robs young girls of their childhood and places both mothers and babies at risk. “We also note with great concern that we had the same number of 15-year-old mothers at this time, on Christmas Day, last year. We also have 16-year-old mothers at GJ Crookes Hospital, and at Queen Nandi Regional Hospital, respectively. While the father of the baby at GJ Crookes is 18 years old; it is particularly shocking that the 16-year-old at Queen Nandi was impregnated by a 32-year-old man.

“We also have 18-year-old mothers at Victoria Mxenge, St Mary’s, Itshelejuba, Nkonjeni, GJ Crookes, and Charles Johnson hospitals. What concerns us, once again, is that this situation of girls falling pregnant at a young age is not a phenomenon that is unique to Christmas Day – it is something that happens on a regular basis and reflects a broader societal challenge,” said Simelane.

She also urged parents and communities to have open conversations about relationships and family planning, while promoting the ABC approach: Abstain, Be faithful, Condomise, to prevent teenage pregnancy and HIV.

Also Read: Concerns rise over teenage pregnancy in eThekwini

“What we are seeing today reinforces the fact that teenage pregnancy remains a big problem, in our society. A problem that compromises and robs young girls of their childhood, often forcing them into adulthood way before they are ready for it. It also places their lives and those of these babies at risk. Similarly, it saddles our boys with a responsibility that is way beyond them.

“We therefore call on older men, such as the 32-year-old who impregnated a 16-year-old, to just stop. As men, you need to re-cultivate your conscience and understand the harm you are causing. To all parents: please guide your children. You need to have honest conversations about relationships, family planning, and life choices, with your children,” said Simelane.

Addressing parents of newborns, Simelane emphasised the importance of vaccination and breastfeeding. “Vaccination is not a choice — it is a necessity,” she said. “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months gives children the strongest possible start in life.”

Concluding her message, Simelane wished the newborns well. “To all our Christmas Day babies, may your lives be guided by love, joy and purpose,” she said.

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