South Africa's public health facilities welcomed 714 newborns between midnight and midday on Christmas Day 2025. The first baby arrived at Elim Hospital in Limpopo at midnight. Officials expressed alarm over more than 30 teenage mothers among them.
On Christmas Day 2025, South Africa recorded 714 births in public health facilities from midnight to midday, marking a joyful yet concerning milestone. The inaugural baby of the year was born at Elim Hospital in Limpopo precisely at midnight, setting a celebratory tone nationwide.
Gauteng led with the highest number of deliveries, recording 217 babies. Other provinces also contributed significantly, though specific breakdowns beyond Gauteng were not detailed nationally. However, the joy was tempered by persistent issues of teenage pregnancy. The National Health Department highlighted that over 30 of the new mothers were teenagers, with some as young as 15 years old.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane noted that government initiatives to reduce teenage pregnancies appear ineffective, citing three 15-year-old girls who gave birth in Durban hospitals. Gauteng's Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko echoed these worries, mentioning a 16-year-old among seven Christmas mothers at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital on the East Rand.
Eastern Cape Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa reported that nearly 20 of the province's 70 Christmas births involved teenagers aged 15 to 19. She visited St Elizabeth Hospital in Lusikisiki to greet the newborns and distribute gifts, while Nelson Mandela Bay Metro recorded 31 births, followed by 20 in OR Tambo district and 13 in Alfred Nzo. Capa emphasized plans to involve the South African Police Service (SAPS) for stricter action, stating, “Immediately when a 15-year-old comes into our facility, we have the responsibility of reporting to Social Development and also reporting to the police so that we open a case.”
Limpopo's health department similarly raised alarms, with 13 teenagers among the 80 mothers who delivered Christmas babies. National Health Spokesperson Foster Mohale underscored the challenges, saying, “The department is concerned about the continued scourge of teenage mothers with more than 30 teen mothers recorded so far, who are now expected to find themselves juggling the demands of parenthood while still navigating adolescence.” These cases highlight ongoing efforts needed to address underage pregnancies across the country.