Cape Town - There was joy and laughter in the air on Wednesday as a number of South African celebrities came to meet the newborns at Groote Schuur Hospital.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi joined former Boks Bryan Habana, Jean De Villiers and Scarra Ntubeni, along with Cape Town rapper Jack Parow and media personality Siv Ngesi at the Neo-Natal Unit (NICU) at Groote Schuur Hospital. They spent some time with the tiny patients in the care of the unit's staff.
The babies were dressed in green and gold - the colours of South Africa's national rugby team - ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Japan. The Springboks are hoping to come out tops in the competition which runs from September 20 to November 2.
Bryan Habana said that he feels humbled and privileged to be there to see the babies, some of whom are born with all kinds of health challenges.
Habana, who is a father of two, emphasised the importance of the financial support and sponsorship of the NICU so that the babies can enjoy the best possible health care.
Siv Ngesi said he was attending a funeral after his visit to the Neo-Natal Unit. He commented that it was profound that he would be witnessing the cycle of life all in one day.
Groote Schuur Hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Bhavna Patel said she is so glad that all the celebrities were able to put everything else aside to visit the unit, even on such short notice. She said the celebrities were invited ahead of the Rugby World Cup. She also wanted to wish the team well with the world Cup.
Siya Kolisi, Bryan Habana, Jean De Villiers, Jack Parow, Siv Ngesi and Scarra Ntubeni visited the babies in NICU at Groote Schuur Hospital. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
Siya Kolisi, Bryan Habana, Jean De Villiers, Jack Parow, Siv Ngesi and Scarra Ntubeni visited the babies in NICU at Groote Schuur Hospital. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
Siya Kolisi was among the celebrities visiting babies in NICU at Groote Schuur Hospital. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)