While every birth is special, there is something exciting about being the first baby of the year.

Bongani Joshua Luphala was born at Maitland Hospital on January 1, 2018, at 3.32am, weighing 3.69 kilograms, and measuring 51cm.

Ms Mutetwa said she was excited when she heard Bongani was the first arrival of 2018.

She was due on Christmas Day, but Bongani decided to be a New Year baby instead.

“I didn’t come in [to hospital] on Christmas because I wanted to be at home on Christmas,” the Rutherford mother said.

Ms Mutetwa said the name Bongani meant grateful, or thankful – a feeling they are no doubt familiar with after meeting their son.

Big brother Thabiso, 6, and grandparents Engelbert and Inviolata Luphala, are also overjoyed with Bongani’s safe arrival.