Durban, 25 December 2024-KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi, celebrated the birth of 47 babies across the province on Christmas Day. The heartwarming occasion highlighted the joy of new life but also underscored serious concerns about the rising cases of teenage pregnancies.

The Christmas babies—21 boys and 26 girls—were born in healthcare facilities across KwaZulu-Natal. Premier Ntuli and MEC Simelane-Mngadi personally welcomed some of the newborns at Victoria Mxenge Hospital in Durban.

Celebrating New Life

Speaking at the hospital, Premier Ntuli expressed his delight in being part of such a joyous occasion.

“Christmas is a time of love and renewal, and what better way to celebrate than to welcome these precious new lives into the world? These children are a gift to their families and our province,” he said.

Each mother received a special gift from the provincial government as a token of congratulations.

Teenage Pregnancy a Growing Concern

However, the celebration was tempered by troubling statistics shared by MEC Simelane-Mngadi, who revealed that three of the Christmas babies’ mothers were only 15 years old.

“This is a deeply concerning trend. Teenage pregnancies not only affect the health of young mothers but also place additional pressure on families and the healthcare system,” she said.

The MEC emphasised the importance of strengthening education and outreach programmes to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy, including socio-economic challenges, lack of access to information, and gaps in family support.

Commitment to Maternal and Child Health

Both the Premier and the MEC reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health in KwaZulu-Natal. This includes providing comprehensive support to mothers and ensuring that all children have access to quality healthcare from birth.

“This government is dedicated to ensuring a brighter future for all children born in this province, starting with the very first moments of their lives,” said Premier Ntuli.

A Call to Action

The Premier concluded by urging communities to work together in addressing the social challenges that contribute to teenage pregnancy.

“While we celebrate the joy of these births, we must also reflect on the circumstances that bring about challenges like teenage pregnancies. It is our collective responsibility to educate, support, and empower our youth,” he said.

The KwaZulu-Natal government remains committed to fostering a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for mothers and children across the province.

ENDS