An unemployed and indigent couple who had four other children was richly blessed this time, when triplets were recently born in the family.

This is the Siobo family of Vhurivhuri, some kilometers from Thohoyandou, who were blessed with triplets last week.

Like any other couple, for Annah (38) and her husband Reckson (56), the mere fact that Annah was pregnant meant more joy for the family. Little did they know that their joy would be mixed with sadness, after three babies were born at once in the family.

Annah said like any other normal woman she waited nine months for the big day to arrive, but did not know that she would have three babies. "There is no greater joy than knowing that one is pregnant, but in my case the joy has turned into sadness as we are both not working," she said. Annah said some days prior to the birth of the children, she could feel that her pregnancy was not the same as her previous ones. "My worst fears were confirmed when I visited my doctor in March, who confirmed that I was expecting triplets," she said.

Siobo, who has four other children, Rotondwa (14), Todani (12), Azwinndini (6) and Hakundwi (4), said her latest bundles of joy have brought more strain than joy in the family as she and her husband are both unemployed. They have to make ends meet through the monthly R600 grant for the other children and they have no other source of income.

Siobo said the family had been struggling to meet their daily needs even before the birth of the triplets. They are worried about food, clothing and the effect of the coming winter on the newborns. Siobo appealed to members of the public who can assist them to please do so.

Siobo said they had received many visits from curious villagers but they were not receiving any help, even though it is clear that they were not coping with the situation.

The spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Phuti Seloba, said the family should visit their nearest Social Security Agency offices for urgent assistance.

Anybody wishing to make a contribution to the family can contact the mother at: 072 759 0416.