47 and counting - KwaZulu-Natal welcomes Christmas babies

JOHANNESBURG - It’s a Christmas miracle!

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has cheerfully welcomed 47 Christmas babies so far - 21 boys and 26 girls.

During a media briefing on Christmas Day, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane joked that this year's babies should be named Sunshine as the sun is beating down on the province.

Simelane further expressed her appreciation to all medical staff who sacrificed being with their loved ones to help deliver this year's bundles of joy.

"These babies are there for a reminder of hope, joy and the beauty of new beginnings. As they grow up, we hope and pray that they will bring light and happiness to the world. Bringing life into the world is the greatest gift, and doing so on a day as sacred as Christmas is truly special."

TEENAGE PREGNANCY THRUST INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

Seven teenage girls in the province are among the mothers who gave birth.

Simelane said the girls are between the ages of 15 and 19, adding that the babies’ fathers are 19-year-old boys, including a 23-year-old man.

Simelane has raised concerns over the alarming number of teenage pregnancies that she says has left a sour taste in the celebration of Christmas babies.

"What concerns us is that this situation of girls falling pregnant at a young age is not a phenomenon that is unique to Christmas Day. It is something that happens on a regular basis. It reflects a broader societal challenge. As a society, this is something that we really need to start working and fighting against. "