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, Mr 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 Mr 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.
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 2.8kg, 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.
