By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Mpumalanga Department of Health welcomed the first babies of 2026 at Shongwe Hospital in Nkomazi Local Municipality.
MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, visited the hospital to congratulate the new mothers and to express her appreciation to healthcare workers who worked tirelessly throughout the festive season.
The total number of babies born from 00h00, 1 January 2026 to Midnight is 141 babies; with 69 babies in Ehlanzeni District, 38 from Gert Sibande District, and 34 in Nkangala District.
In terms of gender, the Department said 63 babies are males while 78 are females, with four sets of twins; three from Ehlanzeni District and one set from Amajuba Hospital in Gert Sibande.
“ We 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,” said MEC Manzini.
The high number of teenage pregnancies in the province was flagged by the MEC as a serious concern, calling for serious and immediate intervention.
Manzini said the Departmemt of Health is working closely with other Departments and relevant stakeholders including traditional leaders, communities, families, the SAPS(South African Police Services), to unroot the problem.
In addition, Manzini said the contributing factors towards teenage pregnancy include alcohol consumption by young people, statutory rape, as well as older men taking advantage of young girls.
“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),” said Manzini.
The MEC said the Department will use the beginning of the year as another opportunity to renew its commitment to uphold the principles of Batho Pele and live up to the vision of ensuring a Healthy Developed Society.
“We wish all the people of Mpumalanga a prosperous New Year filled with hope, responsibility and togetherness, Manzini concluded.
