-Staff Writer / Fri, 02 Jan 2026
Not tthe actual picture of new born baby in FS:
A 16-year-old teenager was among dozens of new mothers who gave birth in public hospitals across the Free State on New Year’s Day.
Free State Department of Health acting spokesperson Pogisho Sehularo confirmed that a total of 72 babies were born in public health facilities on 1 January 2026, with births recorded throughout the day.
“We congratulate all the mothers and their families on the safe arrival of their babies and commend our healthcare workers who ensured quality care despite the demands of the festive period,” Sehularo said.
According to the department’s final statistics, the youngest mother was 16 years old, while the oldest was 45, reflecting a wide age range among women who delivered on the first day of the year. The babies were evenly split by gender, with 36 boys and 36 girls born across the province.
The Mangaung Metro recorded the highest number of deliveries, with 27 births, while Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom led individual facilities with 11 babies delivered in its maternity ward.
Babies were born in 22 public health facilities across the Free State, with the first birth recorded shortly after midnight at 00:20, and the last just before midnight at 23:55.
The Department of Health extended its appreciation to nurses, midwives, doctors and support staff who remained on duty throughout New Year’s Day to ensure safe deliveries and continued maternal and newborn care.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
