Mpilo Central Hospital recorded 19 births on Christmas. The matron on duty at Mpilo Hospital Mrs Margaret Sibanda said   most of the women were young mothers who were giving birth for the first  time. The few who were interviewed by Chronicle could not hide their joy over giving birth on Christmas Day.

“I am very happy to have my child born on Christmas Day,” said the visibly buoyed Mrs Kudzai Ndlovu. Asked about the name of the baby, she said her husband gave her the name Simethembe Junior before he died.

Another woman who declined to be named said she would first  seek the permission of her husband for the baby to come out in the  newspaper.  “I am excited to have this baby. However, I cannot allow you to take me pictures because my husband might not be amused when he sees the picture in a newspaper,” she said.