-Staff Writer / Thurs, 01 Jan 2026
As the first hours of the New Year unfolded, maternity wards across the Free State were filled with the sound of newborn cries and quiet celebrations, marking hopeful beginnings for dozens of families.
“Welcoming new life on New Year’s Day is always special and a reminder of hope and renewal for our communities,” said Department of Health acting spokesperson Pogisho Sehularo, noting that by 08:00 on New Year’s Day, public health facilities in the province had already recorded 20 births eight girls and 12 boys. “We are expecting more deliveries as the day progresses.”
The very first Free State baby of the year arrived just 20 minutes after midnight. Ms Kefuwe Motaung (27) from Odendaalsrus gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 00:20 at Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom. Baby Motaung tipped the scales at 2 795 grams, drawing smiles from staff who ushered in the New Year alongside the proud mother.
Only ten minutes later, at 00:30, Elizabeth Ross District Hospital in QwaQwa welcomed its first New Year baby. Ms Rethabile Mofokeng (23) delivered a baby boy weighing 2 500 grams, adding to the early-morning joy shared by families and healthcare workers.
In Bloemfontein, celebrations continued when Ms Mobulelo Magwebu (45) from Bethulie gave birth to a baby boy at 00:44 at Pelonomi Academic Hospital. Her son weighed a healthy 3 180 grams, rounding off a heartwarming start to the year for the province’s maternity teams.
Health officials praised nurses, midwives and doctors who worked through the night to ensure safe deliveries, describing the New Year arrivals as a powerful symbol of fresh beginnings for the Free State.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
