Johannesburg – By midday on Christmas Day, Gauteng rejoiced in the birth of 184 babies.
Gauteng’s MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the parents of the newborns welcomed at public health facilities across the province on this joyful occasion.
The department noted, “As of noon on December 25, 2024, we have recorded a total of 184 newborn babies.”
On Christmas Day, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, visited Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital.
During their visit, they presented gifts to the ecstatic mothers of the newborns, sharing in the celebration of their little ones entering the world.
“Congratulations to all the families,” remarked MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She also urged parents to ensure their newborns receive vaccinations according to the schedule outlined in the road-to-health booklet, safeguarding them against diseases like polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and meningitis.
“All vaccinations are provided free of charge at public clinics and community healthcare centers throughout the province.”
Deputy Minister Nzuza encouraged the mothers of newborns to promptly register their babies with the Department of Home Affairs at the offices located within all Gauteng public hospitals.
“Registration in the national population register starts with birth registration; without it, children cannot fully access services,” explained Deputy Minister Nzuza.
“In partnership with the Department of Health nationally, we’ve simplified the process for parents to register their children by establishing Home Affairs offices within healthcare facilities,”
At Tembisa Hospital, the first baby born on Christmas Day was a girl, arriving just 12 minutes after midnight to 38-year-old Zandile Mqumba.
By noon, Tembisa Hospital had welcomed a total of 16 newborns.
Mqumba expressed her gratitude for the gifts received by her and the other mothers, highlighting her appreciation for the convenience of registering her child and obtaining a birth certificate on site.
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Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza officially opened a newly upgraded Female Medical Ward. -
Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko also officially reopened the newly renovated 60-bed Female Medical Ward 12 at Tembisa Hospital, which now features additional oxygen and suction points, improved ventilation, and an upgraded nurse call system.
She highlighted that these enhancements represent the department’s commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure while focusing on patient comfort and safety.
