On January 1st, 2025, the Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Honourable Cllr Vukile Mhlelembana, and Cllr Daniswa Mafumbatha marked the New Year by visiting the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital, formerly St. Patrick’s Hospital. The leaders, accompanied by a delegation from Special Programs such as Lihle Chalo, celebrated the arrival of six newborns, leaving a lasting impression on the mothers and hospital staff.
Each mother received an Ackerman’s voucher worth R1,000 as part of the visit. “We are very happy to welcome these babies, though we do not encourage teenage pregnancies,” remarked Cllr Mhlelembana, highlighting the joy of new life alongside a message of responsible parenting.
Among the mothers were Khanya Gwayi Gwayi, who gave birth to Likhanye Gwayi Gwayi, Axola Valela, mother of Luhlelo Valela, and Dlamini Nokulila Ntombentsha, who welcomed baby Dlamini Alunamda. “We appreciate this beautiful gesture from the Executive Mayor and his team,” said Nokulila on behalf of the mothers.
One mother, overwhelmed by the thoughtful gift, shed tears of gratitude, reflecting the profound impact of the initiative.
Hospital representatives expressed pride in the smooth delivery of all six babies without complications. Addressing public concerns, they clarified the prioritization of urgent cases, ensuring that critical needs are addressed first. “Experienced nurses can quickly identify those who require immediate help,” a spokesperson explained.
Mayor Mhlelembana praised the hospital staff for their dedication and high standards of care, adding, “This initiative follows Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s call for leaders to engage with their communities and celebrate progress. We thank the management and staff for their outstanding efforts.”
Cllr Mafumbatha echoed these sentiments, commending the hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment and professionalism. She called on fathers to take responsibility for their children, noting that delinquent fathers could face consequences through SARS. She also urged local businesses to support the hospital by ensuring it remains well-equipped and efficient.
“The year 2025 promises great things, as seen in the smiles of these young mothers,” Mafumbatha said. “We must all participate in helping the less fortunate.”
The visit underscored the commitment of both leaders to uplifting their community, showcasing the potential of meaningful partnerships between government and local stakeholders. Their compassion and action have set a hopeful tone for the New Year, reinforcing the power of people-centered governance to foster unity and progress.
