Her Claim Shocked the World—Then the Truth Came Out
When Gosiame Thamara Sithole announced she had given birth to ten babies at once, the world couldn’t believe it—but they wanted to. Her story, first reported by Pretoria News in June 2021, quickly spread across major news outlets, captivating millions.
The 37-year-old South African mom claimed she delivered her decuplets at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, leaving even doctors stunned. She and her partner, Teboho, reportedly prepared for eight babies, only to be surprised by two more during the delivery. Dubbed the “Tembisa 10,” these supposed newborns became a global sensation.
Sithole shared her journey before the birth, describing her shock and struggles: “It was tough at the beginning. I was sick… I just pray for God to help me deliver all my children in a healthy condition.” The heartfelt statement added to the story’s emotional pull.
But as the days passed, questions arose. Authorities, under mounting pressure, launched an investigation. The result? A bombshell. No hospital—public or private—had any record of such a birth. In fact, medical professionals confirmed that Sithole hadn’t been pregnant at all.
A story of a South African woman Gosiame Sithole who allegedly gave birth to 10 babies earlier this month is not true. https://t.co/IB9WT3T33Y
— Mpasho News (@MpashoNews) June 24, 2021
“It has now been established by medical practitioners that Ms. Sithole did not give birth to any babies in recent times,” announced the Gauteng Provincial Government. The revelation left everyone stunned.
So, why would someone fabricate such a wild claim? That’s the million-dollar question. While Sithole and her partner received media attention and even donations, her motive remains unclear. Journalist Piet Rampedi, who first reported the story, initially defended his work but later admitted flaws in his reporting. “Could I have handled the story much better? Definitely,” he confessed.
Even as the story unraveled, Independent Media stood by its reporting, accusing critics of orchestrating a campaign to discredit their work. Legal threats loomed over Rampedi, who revealed he relied on a text from Sithole and the sight of her baby bump to validate her claims.
Pretoria News editor Piet Rampedi has apologised to his colleagues for the damage his story on SA’s so-called “Thembisa 10” babies did to Independent Media’s reputation. https://t.co/nxfM16ifPt
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) June 22, 2021
The tale of the “Tembisa 10” has left more questions than answers. Was it a cry for help? A bid for attention? Or something else entirely? Sithole has reportedly been offered help, but the mystery remains unsolved.
What’s your take on this baffling story? Share your thoughts below or pass it along to friends—this saga is too strange to keep to yourself!
