Fathers Present at Hospitals on New Year’s Day
By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein, South Africa –
The arrival of 2026 brought fresh joy to families across the Free State, as hospitals welcomed new babies in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Amid the celebrations, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae took time to commend the fathers who stood by their partners during these special moments.
She highlighted how their presence shows a positive shift in family support, a heartwarming sight in a province working hard to build stronger communities.
By midday on January 1, 2026, 20 newborns had arrived in public health facilities – 10 boys and 10 girls – marking a quiet but happy start to the year.
This comes after a busy Christmas Day in 2025, when 18 babies were born by morning, showing steady birth trends.
For many parents, these little ones represent hope, but the premier’s words also spotlight broader issues like falling teen pregnancies and the need for more family involvement in health matters.
Letsoha-Mathae’s praise for the dads echoes her visits during the festive season, where she saw more men stepping up.
In a time when single parenting is common, this trend offers a glimmer of change, helping moms feel less alone.
As the province deals with challenges like poverty and health access, these small wins build towards bigger goals for 2026.
A Quiet New Year’s Start: Birth Stats and Hospital Visits
Maternity wards in the Free State saw a gentle flow of deliveries from midnight onwards.
By 08:00 on January 1, 2026, 20 babies had made their entrance – an even split of 10 boys and 10 girls.
This mirrors the Christmas Day tally from 2025, when 18 newborns arrived by the same time, also balanced between genders.
Hospitals like Pelonomi in Bloemfontein and Universitas Academic Hospital led the way, with staff working tirelessly to ensure safe births.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae made rounds to key facilities, starting at Pelonomi Hospital where she met proud parents and handed out gift hampers filled with baby essentials like clothes, blankets, and formula.
These visits, a tradition for festive births, let her connect directly with families.
At one stop, she chatted with a new dad holding his son, praising his role: “It’s wonderful to see fathers here, supporting their families from the start.”
Her team noted similar scenes at other spots like Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in Bethlehem and Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom, where more men were present than in past years.
These numbers are down from busier provinces like Gauteng, which saw over 200 New Year’s babies, but they reflect the Free State’s smaller population.
Most births were natural, with a few needing extra care for low weights or minor issues. Doctors say these early arrivals often thrive, but urge moms to keep up with check-ups for the best start.
Commending Fathers: A Shift in Family Support
The premier’s standout message focused on the growing number of fathers at hospitals.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has commended the fathers who were present at the hospital to support mothers of new babies born on New Year’s Day.
She called it a “positive development,” noting how involved dads help build stronger bonds and share the load of parenting.
In past years, many births saw moms alone, but 2026’s trend shows change, perhaps from awareness drives on family roles.
This praise ties into broader efforts to involve men in health matters. Clinics now run programs teaching dads about prenatal care, breastfeeding support, and emotional backing.
One father at Pelonomi shared how being there made him feel part of the journey: “It’s my first child, and I wouldn’t miss it.” Letsoha-Mathae urged more men to follow suit, saying it cuts stress for moms and sets a good example for kids.
Her words build on Christmas visits in 2025, where she saw similar support and handed out hampers at spots like Pelonomi and Boitumelo Hospital in Kroonstad.
There, 18 babies arrived by morning, with fathers helping celebrate. This shift could lower rates of absent dads, a common issue linked to social challenges like poverty and broken homes.
Decline in Teen Pregnancies: A Welcome Trend
Alongside the joy, health teams noted a drop in teen births this festive season. On New Year’s Day, just a handful of young moms gave birth, down from past years.
Christmas 2025 saw only three teens among the 18 early arrivals, including two 17-year-olds and one 19-year-old.
This decline – from over 10 in 2024 – shows progress from education campaigns in schools and communities.
Letsoha-Mathae praised this too, but warned it is not time to relax. She called for more talks on safe choices, family planning, and support for young people.
In the Free State, where poverty hits hard in rural areas, teens often face pressures leading to early pregnancies.
Programs like free condoms at clinics and life skills classes aim to help, with results starting to show.
Nationwide, the picture varies. KZN saw 20 teen births on New Year’s morning, including two 16-year-olds, prompting statutory rape warnings. Free State’s lower numbers offer hope, but leaders stress ongoing work to keep the trend going.
Challenges and Hopes: Building Healthier Families in 2026
While births bring smiles, they spotlight health gaps. Many Free State hospitals face staff shortages and old equipment, making deliveries tougher in remote areas.
Letsoha-Mathae pledged more funding for maternity wards, aiming for safer births and better care for moms and babies.
For families, these New Year’s arrivals mean new responsibilities amid economic strains.
With unemployment at 32% nationally, parents worry about affording basics. Government grants help, but calls grow for more job programs and childcare support.
As 2026 unfolds, Letsoha-Mathae’s message inspires. By praising involved dads and noting fewer teen pregnancies, she sets a tone for positive change.
In a province rich in history but facing modern hurdles, these small steps could lead to stronger families and brighter futures.
Here’s to the new babies – and the support systems helping them thrive.
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