The Ambani quadruplets of Khubvi outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo received a further boost, when a local businessman pledged to support them.

Businessman Benjamin Netshisahulu, popularly known as Benjies, is known for his support for sport in the village. He also helps many disadvantaged youths in the community with their education.

The businessman, who has businesses in Mutale, Khubvi and Thohoyandou, has widened his scope of giving by pledging to take care of the quadruplets. He has pledged an allowance of R500 per month for three years.

“We are here to check on the progress of the babies. We have come to realize that the family alone will not be able to care for these babies in their present situation. We have heard that they are surviving on the grant of the granny, which would not help. We are here to support the family, “he said.

Netshisahulu said he was very happy to learn that four babies were born to a family in the village but was very touched to learn that they did not have anybody to look after them. “I decided after consultations with my family that we should do something to ease their plight. We will continue assisting the babies as long as we are still operating our businesses. The three years that I have decided to help them will be assessed and if there is still a need for assistance, we will take it from there,” he said.

He said his gesture to the family was a way of ploughing back to the community that supports his businesses.

“We do not operate in vacuum, but we depend on these people for our livelihood. We are what we are because of these people and we have to do something in return to make them happy,” he said. “We are very excited about the publicity that our village is getting, but we should be mindful of the needs of these babies. They have to get decent feeding, shelter and care, which the family cannot afford. We who are blessed should do our part and assist wherever possible,” he said.

The happy mother of the quads, Patricia Ambani, said she lacked words suitable enough to thank all those who were making it possible for her babies to survive in her present situation. “I would not have been able to raise these babies alone as there is no one working in the family. I have two other children to look after who are also going to school and it would have been very hard for me. I am very grateful, “she said.

Family spokesperson Dr Palo Ramulifho said they had received donations from many stakeholders that include R5 000 from Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, which they used to open a trust account, R3 000 and clothing from Health MEC Meriam Sekgabutla, as well as clothing from Social Development. Abet Vhembe under Mr Love Masia also donated more than R2 000. He said they had also received massive support from the community and the churches.

“We are very thankful for what our sponsors have done so far, but there is still a big need for the babies. There is no water here, so a borehole is needed for keeping the babies and their clothing clean. We still need help,” he said. Ramulifho said a site has been offered by the local traditional leader for a house, but they were still waiting for the local government to start up the building.

He appealed to other sponsors to come to the fore and help the impoverished family.

The local traditional leader said he was not happy with the way the community was responding to the call to assist the family. “We have agreed that each family would contribute R10 and businesses and leaders would contribute R100, but the response has not been that good. We are still appealing for more help as the babies need more support, “ he said.

Those wishing to make donations can do so by depositing their contributions into the babies´ trust account.

The name of the account is Ambani UIUT Family Support, Absa Bank Thohoyandou, Account No 9252030264. Interested people can also phone Nkhangweleni at 073 650 0556.