Social Development in Gauteng 'delighted to learn of decuplets', mother and babies in place of safety

The department confirmed the births of the decuplets on Wednesday afternoon, but later said it would only be able to give details on the exact number of babies after it visited the mother on Thursday. 

The latest developments come after reports surfaced claiming Gosiame Sithole broke the Guinness World Record at a Pretoria hospital on Monday night.

According to IOL, the 37-year-old gave birth to seven boys and three girls by C-section.

But the government had a hard time tracing the new mom. 

It has only not been able to confirm the number of babies she had birthed. 

Gauteng Social Development spokesperson Feziwe Ndwayana says the mother and her babies have been moved to a place of safety.

“The Department of Social Development has been delighted to learn about the mother who gave birth to 10 babies, especially because this happens right after we concluded our annual child protection week, in which we emphasised that children are the future and they must be protected.

“As the department we confirm that the mother has been a client of ours since 2016. However, due to an agreement with the family, the mother and her babies are in a place of safety to give her time to bond with the children and for her body to heal.”

She says the department will continue to assist the mother.

“The department is currently assessing her needs and, when she and her family are ready, the MEC Morakane Mosupyoe will meet the family to congratulate the mother and handover any necessity that may assist her with her babies.

“The department social worker will see the mother tomorrow (Thursday).”

*This article has been updated following clarification by the Department of Social Development in Gauteng.