By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@Istock.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the issue of teenage pregnancy, saying it remains a major concern in the province, despite the reports of a significant decline compared to last year.
Nkomo-Ralehoko, has joined mothers in welcoming their newly born bundles of joy at Leratong Hospital, on the West Rand.
She has also called for crucial intervention in sexual health education for young girls in order to combat this scourge.
84 babies have been born on the first day of 2026 in the Eastern Cape as of midday, with a quarter of these new moms being teenagers.
The Eastern Cape Social Development and Health departments reported that 21 children were born to teenagers aged 15 to 19 years.
Teen pregnancies continue to be a major social crisis in the country, with thousands of teenagers giving birth each year.
StatsSA recorded 123 971 births by mothers aged 19 and younger between 1 January 2024 and 28 February 2025.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) said the scourge undermines the health, education and prospects of young South Africans.
“Teenage pregnancy remains a serious social and developmental challenge. It often results in interrupted schooling, increased dropout rates, limited economic opportunities and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence,” explained minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
Meanwhile Limpopo welcomed 24 babies, health authorities are visiting various hospitals to welcome the new bundles of joy. The babies and their mothers are also being showered with gifts.
Elsewhere 20 new babies have been delivered in Free State hospitals on New Year’s Day. Eight girls and 12 boys were born in various health institutions in the province.
Mangaung Metro Municipality Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi visited the mothers of the newborn babies in hospital. Mayor Nthatisi has handed gift packs and birth certificates to the mothers of the newborn babies.
Premier of the Free State MaQueen Letshoha-Mathae and members of the executive council are expected to visit other hospitals in the province to welcome the New Year babies.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has urged residents to prioritise healthy lifestyles, noting a steady increase in non-communicable diseases.
She indicated that the rising prevalence of these conditions would require greater investment from the health department, also emphasising the importance of prevention.
Simelane has further encouraged women to undergo regular screening for cancer and diabetes, while calling on men to be screened for underlying health conditions.
She also expressed concern over the growing number of young people being diagnosed with diabetes, highlighting the need for early detection and healthier living to curb the trend.