Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO welcomed the dawn of 2026 with the sound of new life. A total of 40 babies were born at the city’s two largest referral hospitals, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) and Mpilo Central Hospital, painting the first day of the year with joy, hope and the promise of fresh beginnings.
At UBH, the maternity ward was alive with activity, recording 26 births in a single day. Acting public relations officer, Isaac Nhubu, described the night as busy yet deeply rewarding for the dedicated health workers.
“We recorded a total of 26 births, compared to 23 on Christmas. Of the New Year’s Day deliveries, 16 were boys, and 10 were girls. Seven boys and four girls were delivered through Caesarean section, while the remainder were born through normal deliveries,” said Nhubu.
For the mothers, the timing of these births carried a special meaning. Pride Chabuda (27) could not hide her joy as she cradled her new-born son, her first after two daughters.
“I feel extremely happy and blessed because this is my first son after having two girls. It is a special feeling that I cannot fully describe,” she said, her smile lighting up the ward.
Chabuda said giving birth on New Year’s Day had made the moment even more significant for her family.
“To start the year with new life is a blessing. It feels like God has given our family a gift and a fresh beginning. We are still discussing the name because we want something unique and meaningful, a name that will remind him that he came into the world at the beginning of a new year,” she said.
For first-time mother Mongikazi Dube (20), the experience was a whirlwind of emotions — fear, excitement and overwhelming joy. She delivered a baby girl, whom she named Kylie.
“I was very scared because it is my first baby, but at the same time I was excited. When I finally heard her cry, all the fear disappeared,” she said.
Dube said starting the year as a mother had changed her outlook on life.
“I have begun the year with a huge blessing. This is the greatest gift I could ever receive. As a family, we feel blessed and thankful to God for allowing us to welcome our baby on such a special day,” she said.
For her, New Year celebrations will never be the same again.
“Every New Year will now remind us not only of the festive season, but of the day Kylie was born. It will always be a double celebration for us,” she said.
At Mpilo Central Hospital, the atmosphere was equally joyful, with 14 babies delivered on the day. Hospital public relations officer Ms Norma Mabhena said 10 boys and four girls were born at the institution.
“The smallest baby, a girl weighing 2,8 kilogrammes, was delivered through normal birth, while two boys weighing four kilogrammes were delivered via Caesarean section,” said Mabhena.
She praised the commitment of medical staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of mothers and newborns.
“Our medical staff worked tirelessly throughout New Year’s Day to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and newborns. It was a demanding day, but also one filled with joy and fulfilment as families welcomed new lives,” she said.
For nurses and midwives on duty, the New Year was marked not by fireworks or family gatherings, but by long hours in the maternity wards, offering comfort to expectant mothers and ushering new lives into the world. And although some mothers had hoped to spend the day at home with loved ones, the joy of childbirth quickly overshadowed any disappointment, as families embraced the arrival of babies born at the dawn of a new year.
