WATCH Interview with Alleged Mom of 10 Babies. Mayor Confirms Family ‘Found’
After casting doubt on Pretoria News’ exclusive story yesterday that a mother from Tembisa township had allegedly given birth to a world-breaking 10 babies, Ekurhuleni’s mayor confirmed they have now located the family. (Update Wednesday 14h30: Gauteng Social Dept have confirmed the Tembisa mom has given birth to babies, and they will visit her tomorrow […]
After casting doubt on Pretoria News’ exclusive story yesterday that a mother from Tembisa township had allegedly given birth to a world-breaking 10 babies, Ekurhuleni’s mayor confirmed they have now located the family. (Update Wednesday 14h30: Gauteng Social Dept have confirmed the Tembisa mom has given birth to babies, and they will visit her tomorrow to verify the number of children. See bottom of page for more.) UPDATE 18 June 2021: Although IOL is standing by its story, it appears the so-called Tembisa 10 mom was not pregnant at all and did not give birth to 10 babies. She is currently being held in hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
Mzwandile Masina tweeted last Wednesday morning: “We’ve found the family and we are informed babies are well. Will share the information with National Gov, I know we were a joke yesterday when Gov was genuinely looking for family. Some of our local comrades have been assisting this family. So we are good OK.”
He added: “PS. I have been briefed that #NationalBabyShower is proceeding. The nation must start buying nappies & wet wipes in support! #umsebenziwethu” Various corporations including Lucky Star have already pledged a year’s supply of their goods. H&M South Africa tweeted: “Hey @NtandoThukwana we are in! Lets get the party started! #NationalBabyShower Please dm us :)”
Yesterday Masina had posted a disparaging tweet, accusing IOL of perhaps making up the story: “My office & our Dept. of Social Dev. have been searching for the family who allegedly gave birth to 10 kids today. Apparently they from Tembisa & we wanted to assist as a city. Can @IOL provide some info on this story? Or has mainstream media degenerated to a fake news factory?”
Gosiame Thamara Sithole (37) – a retail store manager – allegedly gave birth to the 10 children in a Pretoria hospital on Monday night, which would make these the world’s first Decuplets. She and her husband, Teboho Tsotetsi (who is unemployed at the moment), have appointed a family spokesperson and have requested support as she does not feel she will be able to go back to work.
The Guiness Book of World Records said: “We’re aware of the news that Sithole has given birth to decuplets. We send our congratulations and best wishes to the family. At the current time, we’re yet to verify this record, as the wellbeing of both the mother and babies is a top priority. Our team, alongside a specialist consultant, is looking into this and will provide any information as soon as possible.”
WATCH Decuplets mother and husband in interview before the births
VIDEO 1.
Decuplets mother Gosiame Sithole and her husband, Teboho Tsotetsi on their first reaction when doctors told them about the 10 babies, and the unique pregnancy. #GuinnessWorldRecord #NationalBabyShower @IndyMediaSA @pietrampedi pic.twitter.com/op2By5nMMC— Pretoria News (@pretorianews) June 9, 2021
Dogs only bark at a moving car. The folly of playing to the gallery, & throwing tantrums out of desperation for a photo opportunity. Just bcos a person is ignoring your call, doesn't mean something doesn't exist. @mzwandileMasina @mirriamp #GuinnessWorldRecord #NationalBabyShower https://t.co/wppkmCqzEZ
— Mr Putin (@mahasharampedi) June 9, 2021
A GCIS tweet on Tuesday:
#NationalBabyShower pic.twitter.com/otIRvawf3z
— GCIS Media Liaison (@GCISMedia) June 8, 2021
UPDATE Wednesday afternoon
As controversy continues to surround the existence of the Tembisa 10 babies, News24 reported on Wednesday afternoon that “The Gauteng government on Wednesday said it had not found any confirmation of the birth of decuplets at both private and public hospitals across the province.”
Gauteng Social Department tracks down Tembisa 10
However EWN tweeted that “The Gauteng Social Development Department has tracked down a woman reported to have given birth to 10 babies. #Tembisa10 Social Development says while it can confirm Gosiame Thamara Sithole has given birth to babies it cannot confirm the number until the department has visited the Tembisa mother. The department says it will be visiting Sithole tomorrow at an undisclosed health facility where she’s currently on bed rest. TK”