A joyful start to 2026: WC public health facilities welcome 28 newborns on New Year’s Day

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is delighted to announce the arrival of 132 babies born in public health facilities across the province on 1 January 2026, marking a heartwarming start to the new year. 

From 00:00 on New Year’s Day, 66 boys and 66 girls were safely delivered, bringing joy to families and communities across the province. 

The first baby of the year, a baby boy, was born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital at 00:00, weighing 3.8 kg, to proud mother Geneva Claasen. 

Shortly after, at 00:03, a baby boy was born at Paarl Hospital, weighing 3.5 kg. Third was a baby girl, born at Stellenbosch Hospital at 01:38, weighing 3.2 kg.

As the province celebrates the arrival of these precious new lives, the department encourages parents to embrace the opportunities offered by their local clinics to support their babies’ early development. 

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception, are critical for their health and well-being; and clinic visits provide access to essential services such as immunisations, health education and regular check-ups. These services are designed to help families start well, ensuring their children have the strongest foundation for a bright future. 

“As we step into a new year, we celebrate the first precious lives born in 2026. We are reminded that the earliest moments of life shape everything that follows. In the Western Cape, our focus is on giving every child a strong and healthy start through quality care, support and skilled healthcare teams. When we invest early, we help children grow, develop and thrive well into the future,” said Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness. 

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness congratulates all parents and caregivers on the safe delivery of their babies. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our healthcare workers, especially midwives, who sacrificed time with their own families to provide exceptional care to others on this special day. 

As we embrace a new year filled with possibility, let’s commit to giving our children the best possible beginning. Together, we can help every family and new life start well!