Hello world! Western Cape welcomes 192 bundles of joy

• 192 babies were born in the Western Cape on New Year's Day.
• 94 boys and 98 girls were born. 
• In Gauteng, updated statistics show 426 babies were born on New Year's day. 

The Western Cape has welcomed 192 babies born at public health facilities on New Year's Day.

Of the babies born on New Year's Day, 94 were boys and 98 were girls.

The first baby, a boy, was born to mom Ashieka Ellie at Mitchells Plain Hospital at 00:25, weighing 3.6kg.

Two sets of twins were also born, one set at New Somerset Hospital and the other at Tygerberg Hospital.

Provincial health department spokesperson Callan Riddles congratulated the families of the newborns on the safe arrival of their little bundles of joy and wished them many years of happiness and good health.

The first baby of 2023 born to Ashiekia Ellie at Mitchells Plain Hospital.

News24 WC Health Department

Riddles reminded families of the importance of having babies immunised against diseases.

"Ensure that your baby is fully immunised and follow the advice of healthcare workers at your local clinic. Make time to play with your child and support him or her as they grow and develop.

"Remember to take care of yourself as well. The department delivers a comprehensive package of child health services, and we look forward to supporting all parents on this exciting journey," Riddles stressed. 

READ | Tembisa 10: Public Protector finds claims mom gave birth to decuplets 'unsubstantiated'

In the Free State a total number of 87 babies (42 girls and 45 boys) were born on New Year's Day. 

Montseng Tsiu, MEC for Health visited the maternity ward at the Bongani Tertiary Hospital in Welkom where seven babies were born. 

In Gauteng updated statistics show 420 babies were born on New Year's Day – 193 boys and 227 girls.

Academic hospitals in the province delivered 66 babies. Thirty-seven were born at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and 13 were delivered at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Charlotte Maxeke Hospital had 10 new arrivals and Steve Biko six.

Tertiary hospitals delivered 60 babies – Tembisa Hospital welcomed 44 babies, and 16 babies were born at Kalafong Hospital.