Twelve mothers gave birth at the Musina Hospital on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

As they welcomed their bundles of joy, Mayor Alderman David Phologa was by their side, dishing out goodies ranging from napkins to baby clothes. As is done annually, Ald Phologa led a delegation of councillors and officials from both the Musina local municipality and Musina Hospital on the visit to the maternity ward to hand out gifts to babies born on these two days.

First in the queue of six Christmas babies was Selina Mamphiri’s boy, who weighed 3,14 kg. The bouncy boy was born at midnight, barely five minutes after the Christmas lights were switched on.

Five more mothers joined Maphari in her celebration. Rofhiwa Mbedzi’s baby girl was born at 00:30, weighing 2,50 kg; Elinah Mosholommpi’s baby boy was born at 00:55, weighing 1,46 kg; Simelane Moyo’s baby boy was born at 10:10, weighing 2,02 kg; Joyce Muleya’s baby boy was born at 19:10, weighing 3,54 kg and Florah Ndou’s baby girl was born at 20:35, weighing 3,80 kg.

Coincidentally, another six babies were eager to join in the New Year’s Day celebrations. Cllr Gabriel Ramuswana and Musina Hospital’s chief executive officer, Simon Netshivhambe, handed out the presents to Francinah Mamafha’s baby girl, who was first when she was born, exactly two hours after the celebrations started.

Other New Year babies soon followed. Gloria Sithembile’s baby boy was born at 05:03, Rabelani Gwedugwedu’s baby boy was born at 13:50, Getrude Gumbu’s baby girl was born at 15:23, Florence Seko’s baby girl was born at 15:35 and Rebecca Selepe’s baby girl was born at 18:20, weighing 3,14 kg.

Meanwhile, Musina’s 13th festive baby was a girl “born before arrival” at home on New Year’s Day, weighing 2,72 kg. The mother, Clara Thanyani and the child were eventually taken to Nancefield Clinic where they received the necessary care.