Public hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal welcomed hundreds of newborns on New Year’s Day, marking a busy start to 2026 for maternity wards throughout the province.

A total of 334 babies were delivered, with births evenly split between 167 boys and 167 girls. The figure included three sets of twins. Sadly, one neonatal death was recorded.

Of the total number of deliveries, 61 were to teenage mothers. The age breakdown included one mother aged 14, two aged 15, six aged 16, 18 aged 17, 19 aged 18 and 15 aged 19.

Teenage pregnancy remains a concern

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, together with the MEC for Health, Ms Nomagugu Simelane, said the rate of teenage pregnancy remained a serious concern.

“Pregnancy during childhood and adolescence is harmful to the health, education and future prospects of both the young mother and her child,” Simelane said. “Childhood is meant for growth and learning, not motherhood. Early pregnancy places the health and future potential of girls at significant risk.”

She added that the responsibility for guiding and protecting children begins at home, but is shared by society as a whole, including parents, families, amakhosi, religious institutions, educators and community leaders.

The Department called for renewed and united action, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders — including amakhosi, churches, community organisations and families — to strengthen moral and social responsibility at household level.

“Together, society must reclaim its duty to nurture responsible children and safeguard their childhoods,” Simelane said.

She stressed that there was a collective responsibility to provide education, guidance and consistent support to prevent adolescent pregnancies and secure a brighter future for all children.

The Department confirmed that it remained firmly committed to preventing teenage pregnancies through improved access to comprehensive reproductive health education, youth-friendly services and strong social support systems.

Health workers across the province were commended for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring the safe delivery of newborns on New Year’s Day.

“Their service continues to fulfil the Department’s core mandate of safeguarding the health of both mother and child,” Simelane concluded.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel