The Eastern Cape’s New Year celebrations extended beyond homes and public events on Wednesday as Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha visited Bhisho and Stutterheim hospitals to mark the arrival of babies born at the start of 2026.
The visit formed part of a long-standing tradition by provincial leadership to acknowledge New Year births and to show support to new mothers and frontline healthcare workers across the province.
New Year arrivals at Bhisho and Stutterheim
At Bhisho Hospital, four babies were born on New Year’s Day, while Stutterheim Hospital welcomed three newborns. According to information shared during the visit, all the babies and their mothers were reported to be in good health.
The hospitals were filled with a sense of celebration as staff, families and provincial representatives marked the symbolic arrival of the first babies of the year, often seen as a sign of hope and renewal for communities.
Joint visit with Amahlathi Municipality leadership
During the visit to Stutterheim Hospital, MEC Nqatha was joined by Amahlathi Local Municipality Mayor Nomakhosazana Nongqayi. The presence of municipal leadership highlighted the role of local government in supporting community wellbeing, particularly maternal and child health services.
Hospital management and healthcare workers were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring safe deliveries during the busy festive and New Year period, a time when health facilities often experience increased pressure.
Gifts and messages of encouragement
MEC Nqatha presented gifts to babies born on New Year’s Day, as well as to those born on 31 December 2025. The gesture aimed to celebrate the families and recognise the importance of caring for newborns from their earliest days.
During his interaction with the mothers, the MEC encouraged them to raise their children with care and protection, stressing the responsibility shared by families, communities and government in safeguarding children’s futures. He emphasised that newborns represent the next generation of leaders and play a critical role in shaping South Africa’s future.
A message of hope for the year ahead
The New Year hospital visits reflected broader provincial efforts to promote child welfare, maternal health and community safety. Such visits also serve to boost morale among healthcare workers who remain on duty during public holidays.
As the Eastern Cape enters 2026, the arrival of the New Year babies at Bhisho and Stutterheim hospitals has been welcomed as a hopeful start to the year, symbolising new beginnings for families and communities across the province.
