WC Health Dept records 132 births on New Year's Day

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said updated figures show 132 babies were born in public health facilities across the province on Thursday 1 January 2026, marking a heartwarming start to the new year.

Health officials said since the clock struck midnight, 66 boys and 66 girls were safely delivered, bringing joy to families and communities across the province.

The statistics show the first newborn of the year was a baby boy born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital weighing 3.8kg to mother, Geneva Claasen.

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Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger encouraged parents to make use of services at local clinics to support their babies’ early development.

"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."