Johannesburg: Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is today expected to join postpartum mothers in welcoming their newly born bundles of joy at the Leratong Hospital in the West Rand. During the New Year's Day ceremony, mothers will be presented with gift hampers for their babies. According to South African Government News Agency, the MEC will also use the opportunity to engage parents about the importance of registering their babies immediately after birth at the Department of Home Affairs. Furthermore, the MEC will emphasize the significance of timely immunization and breastfeeding to promote babies' development and protect them from preventable diseases. On Christmas Day, public health facilities in the province recorded the births of 428 babies, comprising 206 males and 222 females. Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed babies born at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital where she presented mothers with gift hampers. A total of 80 babies were born at the province's academic hospitals, including Steve Biko, Dr. George Mukhari, Chris Hani Baragwanath, and Charlotte Maxeke. Tertiary hospitals, such as Tembisa and Kalafong, reported 46 births, while regional and district hospitals, including Jubilee, Far East Rand Hospital, and Mamelodi Hospital, saw the births of 234 babies. Community Healthcare Centres, including Bekkersdal, Hillbrow, and Ebony Park, recorded the births of 68 babies.