Gauteng, South Africa — A total of 428 babies were born across Gauteng’s public health facilities on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, marking a powerful moment of hope, renewal and new beginnings for families across the province.
The births were recorded between 00:00 and 23:59 at academic hospitals, tertiary institutions, regional and district hospitals, as well as community healthcare centres, according to final statistics released by the Gauteng Department of Health.
Hospitals Across the Province Rise to the Occasion
Academic hospitals recorded 80 births, led by Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital with 38 deliveries. Dr George Mukhari Hospital recorded 20 births, including a set of twins, while Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital recorded 15 births, also including twins. Steve Biko Academic Hospital recorded seven births.
Tertiary hospitals accounted for 46 births, with Tembisa Hospital leading at 35 births, including twins, followed by Kalafong Hospital with 11 births.
Regional and district hospitals recorded the highest number of births at 234, with Mamelodi Hospital leading at 30 deliveries, followed by Thelle Mogoerane Hospital (25), Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (24, including twins), Bheki Mlangeni Hospital (17), and Tambo Memorial Hospital (15).
Community healthcare centres and midwife obstetric units recorded 68 births, underscoring the importance of primary healthcare services, particularly during peak periods such as public holidays.
More Girls Than Boys Born
Of the 428 babies born, 222 were females and 206 were males, reflecting a slightly higher number of baby girls born on Christmas Day.
MEC Commends Healthcare Workers
Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, praised healthcare workers for their dedication and professionalism during the festive season.
“The birth of 428 babies on Christmas Day is a powerful reminder of hope, life and renewal. I want to commend our healthcare workers who sacrificed time with their families to ensure that every mother and newborn received safe and quality care,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She acknowledged the pressure on maternity units during the holiday period but highlighted the resilience of frontline staff.
“Despite the increased demand on our health facilities during the festive season, our nurses, midwives, doctors and support staff rose to the occasion. Their commitment ensures that no mother is turned away and no child is born without care,” the MEC added.
Commitment to Maternal and Child Health
The MEC reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child health services.
“Each child born on this day represents our shared responsibility to protect, nurture and invest in the future of Gauteng. We remain committed to improving maternal health outcomes and ensuring safe deliveries across all public health facilities,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The Christmas Day births stand as a testament to the dedication of Gauteng’s healthcare workers and the enduring strength of the public health system during one of the busiest periods of the year.
