Africa-Press – Eswatini. A total of 45 babies were born across Eswatini health facilities on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking a joyful and hopeful start to the New Year for families and communities across the country.
Official statistics recorded between the start and end of the New Year’s Day show that the newborns comprised 26 females and 19 males, delivered in government hospitals, health centres, clinics and private facilities.
Mbabane Government Hospital recorded the highest number of births, welcoming 11 babies (six females and five males), followed by RFM Hospital with 10 babies (five females and five males).
Other facilities that recorded births include Mankayane Government Hospital with five female babies, Good Shepherd Hospital with five babies (three females and two males), and Piggs Peak Government Hospital, which recorded four births (one female and three males).
Hlatikhulu Government Hospital welcomed three babies (one female and two males), including the first baby of 2026. Abahle Sibandze was born at 7am, weighing 3.45kg. His mother, Bongiwe Phindile Busenga (28) from Magindaneni, described the moment as one of great relief and joy after a three-day labour that began on Sunday.
“I am thankful to the health workers who stood by me throughout. Holding my baby made the struggle worthwhile,” she said.
At health centre level, Nhlangano Health Centre recorded one female birth, Matsanjeni Health Centre recorded two births (one female and one male), Dvokolwako Health Centre recorded one female, and St Theresa Clinic recorded one female birth.
No births were recorded at Sithobela Health Centre, Mkhuzweni Health Centres, TLC, or Zondwako Clinic during the period under review.
Among private facilities, Mbabane Clinic recorded two births (one female and one male), representing combined figures from private hospitals including Women and Children Hospital, Clinics Group Manzini, Philani Clinic, Medsun Hospital, Mkhiwa Clinic and EPH.
As part of a long-standing tradition, the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, visited selected facilities and presented gifts donated by FNB and Pick n Pay to the newborns and their mothers, similar to gestures extended to Christmas babies each year. The minister commended health workers for their commitment and encouraged mothers to continue attending postnatal and child wellness services.
However, the New Year births also drew public attention after confirmation that one of the new mothers was a 14-year-old girl, prompting renewed discussion around child protection and sexual offences.
Members of the public questioned the enforcement of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, a law enacted to protect women and children from sexual abuse, exploitation and domestic violence. The Act criminalises sexual acts with minors, regardless of consent, and provides for severe penalties for perpetrators, while also outlining measures for victim protection, reporting and support services.
Overall, the birth of 45 babies on the first day of 2026 was described as a moment of hope, responsibility and reflection celebrating new beginnings while reinforcing the collective duty to protect Eswatini’s children and support mothers across the country.
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