By Tamlyn Canham
Independent Media has made some shocking statements about what happened to Gosiame Sithole, the woman who reportedly gave birth to the “Tembisa 10”.
The media group released the findings of its investigation into the decuplets.
Sithole made international headlines in June when news broke that she had given birth to the babies. She was thought to have broken a Guinness World Record with the birth.
News of the “Tembisa 10” came as a shock to government officials, who said they could not find the woman who gave birth to 10 babies.
When officials eventually tracked down Sithole, they claimed that there were no records of her giving birth. Medical reports allegedly confirmed that there were no signs that she was recently pregnant.
Health officials took Sithole for a psychological evaluation and later on, government officials were accused of trying to cover up medical negligence. They denied this and threatened to sue Piet Rampedi and Independent Media.
ALSO READ: More questions than answers: Everything we know about the ‘Tembisa 10’
Decuplets report
Independent Media says its report confirms that Sithole did give birth and recently had a Cesarean section.
Gynaecologist Dr Mpho Pooe supported the claim at a briefing held on Wednesday.
The media group’s executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé , says the government needs to account for the “missing” decuplets.
Here’s a look at five shocking details from Independent Media’s report on the “Tembisa 10”.
Tembisa 10 hospital admissions
Sithole allegedly gave birth to 10 babies but two of the babies died. Survé says Sithole was taken to the following hospitals:
- Steve Biko Academic Hospital
- Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital
- Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital
- Tembisa Hospital
Steve Biko Hospital has denied that the babies were born at the facility. Lenmed says it has no records of Sithole giving birth at any of its facilities. No hospitals appear to have any record of their birth.
Survé also made allegations of negligence by health officials. He says there were not enough doctors to deliver the babies.
Possible human trafficking
Independent Media claims hospitals in South Africa are possibly involved in human trafficking. It alleges that Home Affairs officials are also involved in the syndicate.
“‘Our state hospitals are the epicentre of human trafficking and baby trafficking… About 50 percent of the babies are given up for adoption, the other 50 percent are used for muti, cosmetic surgery and stem cells,” Survé says.
Picture of Tembisa 10 confiscated
Survé says a nurse at one of the hospitals took a picture of the babies. The nurse allegedly took a picture on her phone. The human trafficking syndicate allegedly destroyed her phone.
The one person who took pictures of the babies was suspended and her phone was taken away #Tembisa10
— Kwena Marara Moabelo (@MararaMoabelo) October 27, 2021
Nando’s must apologise
Survé says Nando’s must apologise for making fun of the Tembisa 10 story. The fast-food chain’s ‘Ekurhululeni 11’ advert made fun of “fake news”.
“While it may seem funny to them… I really think that Nando’s owes her an apology,” Survé said at the briefing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=33&v=lleqZp-nxAQ&feature=emb_title
Independent Media vows to expose powerful politicians
Independent Media says it has produced a video series that will reveal what happened to Sithole and her babies. Survé has vowed to expose all those involved, including powerful politicians.
“We stand for the truth and will publish the truth…”
Here’s a look at what some Twitter users had to say about the Tembisa 10.
So far I don't even care about who's wrong or right,this human trafficking should be something to worry about especially us under privileged africans we can't just let it go without getting facts as to whether children are being trafficked from hospitals or not #Tembisa10
— Yolo Snipes (@Mahootah1) October 27, 2021
#Tembisa10 mother really give birth to 10babies? fake nigerian doctor involved? ANC cover up? discredit @pietrampedi? children's trafficked outside SA illegally? Anc and drugs? what happened?mother forced and declared insane?🙄 pic.twitter.com/2N1LbUqRtS
— Master G🗨️🇿🇦 (@givenrathogwa) October 27, 2021
Still no babies hey! Independent media group know their stupid & gullible audience shem, they believe every word of this nonsense😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😊#Tembisa10
— Charlotte Z Khumalo (@CharlotteKhuma3) October 27, 2021
As long as there are no pictures of the #Tembisa10 babies,then it's all false… pic.twitter.com/dvbhSd2IhG
— Sundowns_Fanatic08 💛 👆 (@Madumetja__M08) October 27, 2021
This #Tembisa10 story has exposed how the rush for likes, clicks, and clout has taken away our empathy. The story of Goasiame should have been about her and the children, not about "fake news", and the deflection that took place.#TruthAboutTembisa10
— Daniel Marven (@danielmarven) October 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/NoBrainer224/status/1453314873732050950
Should we expect an apology from Nando’s to Piet Rampedi? 😇
They mocked him for telling the truth. 🤷🏾♂️#Tembisa10
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 27, 2021
Yeah unless they produce actual hard evidence that the #Tembisa10 actually exist I’m still not buying any of it. Was there no antenatal care? Ultrasounds? Who was providing the antenatal care? Why is no one willing to go on the record?
— naledi (@naledimashishi) October 27, 2021
I thought it’s only Piet who is mad but seems like this thing runs from managers down #Tembisa10
— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) October 27, 2021
ALSO READ: Tembisa 10: Piet Rampedi apologises for decuplet mess



