Celebrities like rugby legend Bryan Habana, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and comedian Siv Ngesi took time out of their busy schedules to play with babies at the newly upgraded neonatal unit at Groote Schuur
Hospital on Wednesday.
In February, the hospital unveiled the newly refurbished neonatal unit, which cost R60 million.
This was made possible by an anonymous donor now based in Britain, who donated the funds in memory of his grandfather, Dr Jack Abelsohn, who was the first anaesthetist at the hospital in 1938.
The Western Cape Department of Health and The Children’s Hospital Trust also contributed towards the upgrade.
The neonatal unit at Groote Schuur cost R60m.
On Wednesday, newborn babies in the neonatal unit were dressed in cute green and gold crawlers and beanies in honour of the team which will be representing South Africa at the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.
The celebs, including rapper Jack Parow, and Bok players Scarra Ntubeni and Jean de Villiers, got to cuddle the newborns, some of whom are ill.
Dr Bhavna Patel, the chief executive officer of Groote Schuur Hospital, told the media she had invited celebrities to the ward ahead of the World Cup.
“It was short notice, but we decided to invite celebrities like rugby stars ahead of the World Cup,” she says.
“They are always supportive of the unit and we wish them good luck with the Rugby World Cup.”
The tournament kicks off in September.
Local celebs including rapper Jack Parow, comedian Siv Ngesi and rugby heroes Scarra Ntubeni, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and Siya Kolisi got to cuddle with the newborns.
Dad of two, Habana urged people to continue to support the hospital, the only one of its kind in South Africa, for premature and sick babies to enjoy the best possible care.
“I have two childen of my own and it is such an honour to be here,” he added.
Comedian Ngesi put on his serious cap and said this was a rare moment where he faced new life and death on the same day: “I am amazed at the cycle of life and death.
“I am on my way to a funeral after this, so this is being exposed to the start of life.”