The MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Ms. Sasekani Manzini, welcomed newborn babies for the year 2026 at Shongwe Hospital under Nkomazi Local Municipality.
When speaking to the media, MEC Manzini appreciated the healthcare workers who have been working throughout the festive season and beyond during her visit to Shongwe Hospital on January 1, 2026, for the new year born babies visit.
When addressing the gathering, Manzini shared the statistics for newborn babies in the new year 2026 which would change throughout the day.
"Shongwe hospital has seen five births as of 10:00 today (03 boys and 02 girls) while the total number of babies born on the 1st of January 2026 in the province is 50, with 23 males and 27 females.
"We are proud and happy to reveal that the first baby born in 2026 was born in Witbank Hospital under Emalahleni Local Municipality at 00h05 the baby boy weighing 2800g was delivered by a 24-year-old mother.
"The second baby was delivered at 00h33 in Tonga Hospital at Nkomazi Local Municipality by a 23-year-old mother; the female baby is weighing 2980g.
"We are currently have one set of twins from Shongwe Hospital and one macerated still born from Evander Hospital.
"The MEC further revealed the concern of having a high number of teenage pregnancies in the province that needs serious intervention.
"It is really concerning to report that we have a 14-year-old mother who gave birth at Themba Hospital, and there's also a 16-year-old mother who gave birth at Rob Ferreira Hospital under Mbombela Local Municipality.
"Currently, we have a total of 3 teenage mother deliveries; 2 are from Ehlanzeni District, aged 14 and 16 years, and 1 is 17 years old from Gert Sibande (Standerton Hospital).
"Working together with relevant stakeholders, traditional leaders, communities, families, the South African Police Services, and sister departments can assist in fighting the scourge of teenage pregnancies.
“As the Mpumalanga Department of Health, we still perceive teenage pregnancy as a societal scourge that needs to be curbed, and working together with our sister departments and other stakeholders, we continue to do everything in our power to root out this challenge.
“The causes of teenage pregnancy stems from issues such as alcohol consumption by young people, statutory rape and also, older men taking advantage of young girls.
“We would also like to reiterate that our healthcare facilities remain conducive for the delivery of babies as we continue to provide outstanding service delivery to the people of Mpumalanga.
“As the new year begins, we would like to renew our firm commitment to uphold the principles of Batho Pele and live up to our vision of ensuring a Healthy Developed Society.
“We wish all the people of Mpumalanga a prosperous New Year filled with hope, responsibility and togetherness.
Issued by the Communication Directorate.
For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Dumisani Malamule on 067 023 9053 or Ms. Sharon Nkosi on 066 483 9202.