News Bulletin of 2 January 2026, 11am

Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has welcomed more than 190 babies born on the first day of 2026 across the province's public hospitals.

The MEC visited Leratong Hospital on the West Rand, where she and her team brought some smiles to mothers and their little ones.

The province's four academic hospitals delivered a total of 38 babies, while tertiary hospitals accounted for 22 births.

Regional and district hospitals combined delivered 100 babies, while community health centres contributed 36 deliveries.

Nkomo-Ralehoko added that the births symbolise hope and new beginnings and highlight the importance of quality maternal and newborn care in supporting the development of healthy children.

Residents in Mpumalanga marked the start of the New Year at an all-white picnic in Zithabise.

The event attracted thousands of families, who enjoyed musical performances and took part in various activities to celebrate the occasion.

Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Mayor Lesetja Dikgale said the picnic provides a safe and welcoming space for local youth to enjoy music performances and celebrate responsibly.

Four Grade 10 pupils from Camps Bay High School have been selected to join the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

The CPYO which is part of the Cape Philharmonic Music Academy, aims to provide young musicians with the opportunity to perform at a professional level and develop their skills within a full symphony orchestra.

Candidates auditioning for the orchestra were required to perform excerpts from orchestral works by Mozart.

Following a competitive selection process, Ogechukwu Arukwe, Siphesande Makele, Zukhanye Mbatsha, and Alizwa Tibisono earned places in the Youth Orchestra.