Babies light up New Year’s Day

Gopolang Chawane

Big fireworks displays were not the only special surprise on New Year’s Day, a few lucky families around Pretoria also welcomed bundles of joy into their fold.

Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa visited hospitals, welcoming the New Year babies with gifts for the mothers.

At the Steve Biko academic hospital, Ramokgopa said he wanted to congratulate all mothers, give thanks to nurses and doctors for their continued dedication and wished everyone the best in the new year.

Two babies were born at Steve Biko – baby Johnston, whose mother shaleen Johnston was excited to welcome her healthy baby girl.

Nicarla Pretorius, who gave birth to  baby Joshua Pretorius said she was grateful he was getting stronger but surprised he wanted to arrive early.  He was only due in March.

As the Mayor was on his way out of the hospital, it seems one baby could not pass up the opportunity to meet him.

Baby Taimu came into the world screaming for the mayor’s attention.

Ramokgopa welcomed the little baby boy and had a brief moment with the exhausted mother before handing her a gifts for the baby.

Netcare Pretoria East hospital had only had one arrival when Rekord arrived in the morning but one of the nurses confirmed more babies were expected throughout the day. Baby Niȅl Visagie’s mother Lelanie said she was excited about the New Year’s Day surprise.

Netcare Femina hospital had one healthy baby boy delivered at 6:26.  Baby Moagi Makgato was born with the celebrity gene in him as he simply could not stop smiling for the camera. Nurses confirmed two more women were scheduled to deliver during  the day.

Netcare Unitas hospital in Centurion had a three arrivals.  Baby girl Talia Lotz who was born at 01:30, baby Emma Vermaak and baby Enȅ De Vos at 16:56.