News Bulletin of 2 January 2026, 1pm

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

The MEC visited Leratong Hospital in the West Rand, yesterday, where she and her team brought smiles to mothers and their newborns.

38 births were recorded across the province's four Academic hospitals, 22 deliveries in tertiary hospitals 22, while regional and district hospitals delivered 100 babies.

Community health centres accounted for a further 36 deliveries.

Nkomo-Ralehoko said the births symbolise hope and new beginnings and underscore the importance of quality maternal and newborn care.

South African motorists can expect relief at the pumps in January, with petrol prices projected to decrease by up to 54 cents per litre.

According to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund, both grades of petrol are projected to decrease by between 49 cents and 54 cents per litre, while diesel is set to see even steeper cuts of between R1.26 and R1.38 per litre.

The petrol price changes will take effect on the 7th of January 2026.

The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is set to take place in the month of January 2026.

The annual Street Parade is the longest existing carnival in the city of Cape Town and is an integral part of the Mother City’s cultural heritage.

The Western Cape's Benedicta van Minnen says the provincial Cultural Affairs and Sport Department has allocated an annual funding budget of 1.7-million-rand to support the event ensuring that it continues to thrive.