Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Raymond Jaravaza and Trish Mukwazo, Chronicle Writers
THIRTY-FOUR years ago, Mrs Marylin Ngwenya was born on Christmas Day at Nkayi District Hospital in Matabeleland North.
This year, on the same special day, she welcomed her third child, a baby girl, at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
She described her new-born as a divine gift, sharing the joy of celebrating a shared birthday.
“I’m very happy and grateful to God for this gift that came in the form of a baby girl who coincidentally will share a birthday with me. From next year, we’ll have so much to celebrate in December that is her birthday, my birthday, and Christmas Day,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
Her daughter, delivered normally, is yet to be named.
A total of 46 babies were born on Christmas Day at Bulawayo’s two largest referral hospitals — Mpilo Central Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
At Mpilo, 20 babies were delivered, 13 girls and seven boys. Six were born via Caesarian Section (C-section), and the heaviest baby weighed an impressive 4,3 kilogrammes.
UBH recorded 26 births, 13 boys and 13 girls.
For 19-year-old Ms Lizzy Chipenzi of Nguboyenja suburb, holding her newborn baby boy for the first time was an emotional experience.
“I haven’t named my baby yet. I’m still deciding on a name from a list suggested by close family members and friends. Giving birth to my baby on Christmas was the best gift I could have ever asked for,” said Ms Chipenzi, who initially felt scared upon learning she would need a C-section.
Miss Nothando Sibanda of Cowdray Park suburb also celebrated the birth of her baby girl on Christmas Day.
“Christmas Day is a very special day for Christians, and giving birth to my baby girl makes it even more special. My family will celebrate Christmas and my baby’s birthday on the same day — the day our saviour Jesus Christ was born,” she said with excitement.
For these mothers, Christmas Day 2024 will forever hold an extra layer of joy, as their families celebrate not only the festive season but also the arrival of new life.
Last year, a total of 27 babies were born at Mpilo Central Hospital and the UBH on Christmas Day. Of those babies, 12 were delivered at Mpilo Central Hospital while 15 were born at the UBH with 11 being girls and 16 being boys.
Regarded as a special annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas Day is observed every December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration by many Zimbabweans, and among billions of people around the world.Raymond Jaravaza and Trish Mukwazo
mbulelo smpofu
