The Health Department has reported a notable decline in the number of babies born on Christmas Day 2024.
Christmas births in 2024: Here’s what the statistics reveal
According to department spokesperson Foster Mohale, 1,316 babies were safely delivered in public healthcare facilities across the country, marking a significant 22.6% drop compared to the 1,700 recorded in 2023.
The department’s records for the past three years show a consistent decrease in Christmas Day births:
- 2022: 1,114 births
- 2023: 1,700 births
- 2024: 1,316 births
The number of teenage mothers also decreased from 145 in 2023 to just under 90 in 2024.
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Mohale attributed this decline to various public health interventions aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive health services for the youth.
“These reductions can be linked to sexual reproductive health and healthy lifestyle campaigns, as well as the rollout of youth-friendly zones in primary healthcare facilities. These efforts create an enabling environment for young people to access sexual and reproductive health services without waiting in queues with general customers,” Mohale said.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba highlighted a concerning statutory rape case in her province.
A 13-year-old girl gave birth on Christmas Day, and authorities swiftly arrested a 28-year-old man accused of fathering the child.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of Friday morning, Ramathuba stated:
“We welcome the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect for statutory rape, alleged to have fathered a baby of a 13-year-old child who delivered on Christmas Day in one of our hospitals. We thank [SAPS] for their swift response when we reported the case. Let’s set an example.”
