South Africa ushered in the new year with the birth of more than 1 600 babies, while the Department of Health raised concern over a sharp increase in teenage pregnancies.
A total of 1 669 babies were born on New Year’s Day at public health facilities across all nine of Soth Africa’s provinces, according to figures released by the department.
This marks an increase from the 1 448 births recorded on the first day of 2025.
Highest number
Gauteng recorded the highest number of deliveries, with 396 babies born – evenly split between boys and girls.
KwaZulu-Natal followed with 334 births, while Limpopo ranked third with 234 babies.
The Northern Cape recorded the lowest number, with 50 births.
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said one of the country’s first New Year babies was born exactly at midnight at Mowbray Maternity Hospital in the Western Cape.
“One of the first babies of the year was delivered at 00:00, weighing 3.8kg. The department congratulates all mothers and encourages them to ensure their babies receive immunisations and are protected from illness and injury,” Mohale said.
Rise in teenage mothers
However, the department expressed serious concern over the rise in teenage mothers.
More than 160 teenage girls gave birth on New Year’s Day in 2026, compared to just over 80 teen mothers recorded on the same day last year.
Mohale called for stronger collaboration between government, parents, schools and civil society organisations to address the issue.
“The department calls for increased education on sexual and reproductive health and improved access to youth-friendly services at clinics.
“These interventions are essential to empower young people and help prevent teenage pregnancies,” he said.
Social challenge
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant social challenge in South Africa.
According to Stats SA, nearly 124 000 births were recorded among mothers aged 19 and younger between January 2024 and February 2025.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has warned that the crisis continues to undermine the health, education and long-term prospects of young South Africans.
Babies born in SA provinces on New Year’s Day
| Province | Boy | Girl | Total |
| Gauteng | 198 | 198 | 396 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 167 | 167 | 334 |
| Limpopo | 110 | 124 | 234 |
| Eastern Cape | 89 | 119 | 208 |
| Mpumalanga | 63 | 78 | 141 |
| Western Cape | 66 | 66 | 132 |
| North West | 41 | 61 | 102 |
| Free State | 36 | 36 | 72 |
| Northern Cape | 28 | 22 | 50 |
| TOTAL | 798 | 871 | 1 669 |
