Kraaifontein Community Health Centre welcomed nine babies – seven girls and two boys – on New Year’s Day. Natalie Watlington, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health, confirmed that 179 babies were born across the city. The first baby born at 12am at Mowbray Maternity Hospital weighed 3 300g and 51 cm in length, to mother Zahraah Abrahams. A set of twin sisters were born at 12.10am and 12.11am at Tygerberg Hospital to mother Chwayita Rubella. “Mowbray Maternity Hospital was the busiest on the day with 24 births recorded, followed by Tygerberg Hospital with 21 births,” said Ms Watlington. The department congratulated parents on their new arrivals and extended their gratitude to staff members, including midwives.