The Ambani family of Khubvi outside Thohoyandou, whose daughter, Patricia (30), gave birth to quadruplets late last month, received a major boost when a senior traditional leader, Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, paid the quads a visit at Donald Fraser Hospital at the weekend.

The traditional leader, who is also head of the transport portfolio in the Limpopo legislature, accompanied by chiefs under his jurisdiction, was welcomed by Vhembe District’s Department of Health head, Mr Pandelani Ramawa, and shown around the hospital, but not before handing over a cash amount of R5 000 to the family.

Tshivhase said he was very touched when he heard about the good fortune that had befallen the family, but was at the same time worried as to how the poor family and lowly paid mother would cope with her gift from God. “We know that the quads have put our community on the world map, as it is very rare to have four kids at one go. We are faced with the challenge of making sure that the kids get proper medical care and that they get educated, which would not be possible from the mother’s meagre salary as a security guard,” he said.

He said the money he gave the kids would sustain them for a little while but emphasized that a trust account should be opened as matter of urgency. “This account will ensure that the future of the kids is secure as many who would like to assist will be able to deposit the money in the fund. We urge you all to contribute to the fund," he said, pointing to all present.

“We are going to engage the municipality and we hope that before long the family will have a decent structure over their heads,” he said.

The local traditional leader, Khosi Vho Thinawanga Randima, said they had already allocated a site where the house could be built. “We don´t want to take a chance. These kids need decent shelter that will protect them from diseases. We have given them a site where they can build the house as soon as they have fiunds,” he said.

The mother, Patricia Ambani, said she was extremely grateful for what the Tshivhase royal family had done for her. “I would not have been able to cope with my salary from my security job. The money that was donated will make a great difference to the children." The children’s grandmother, Asnath Ambani, said the donation was an answer to her prayers. “After it was announced that my daughter had given birth to three boys and a girl, I was overwhelmed. I did not know whether to cry or be happy. There was no boy in the family and now three came at the same time. However, my problem was how we were going to raise them from grants,” she said. She did not have words enough to thank Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase. The four babies, U Rangani, Uhone, Tondani and Ipfi, were born at Mankweng Hospital late last month. The quads have two other siblings,Pfano (13) and Murunwa (7).

Those wishing to make some donations and contributions for the upkeep of the children can contact Nkhangweleni at 073 650 0556 or Dovhani at 079 381 7056.