South Africa’s public health facilities recorded 714 babies born between midnight and midday on Christmas Day, bringing festive joy to hospitals across the country.
The first Christmas baby of 2025 was welcomed at Elim Hospital in Limpopo at exactly midnight. Gauteng province recorded the highest number of births during this period, with 217 newborns delivered in public facilities.
While the arrivals sparked celebrations, health authorities expressed deep concern over the persistent issue of teenage motherhood. National Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale revealed that more than 30 teenage mothers had been recorded nationwide so far, including girls as young as 15.
“The department is concerned about the continued scourge of teenage mothers… who are now expected to find themselves juggling the demands of parenthood while still navigating adolescence,” Mohale said.
In the Eastern Cape, Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa highlighted that nearly 20 of the province’s approximately 70 Christmas Day mothers were teenagers aged 15 to 19. During a visit to St Elizabeth Hospital in Lusikisiki, where she distributed gifts to newborns, Capa stressed the need for stronger intervention.
“We plan to rope in SAPS to deal harshly with those involved in getting underaged girls pregnant,” she stated, adding that health facilities are legally required to report cases involving girls under 16 to Social Development and the police for investigation.
The Eastern Cape saw Nelson Mandela Bay Metro leading with 31 births, followed by OR Tambo district (20) and Alfred Nzo (13).
Health officials continue to call for improved access to education and contraception to address the ongoing challenge of teenage pregnancies in South Africa.