In June 2021, a shocking story emerged about a South African woman, Gosiame Thamara Sithole, who allegedly gave birth to ten babies at once. The news quickly went viral, drawing global attention and even receiving coverage from major international outlets. However, a thorough investigation by authorities later revealed that the claim was untrue, leading to widespread controversy.
The Viral News of the ‘Tembisa 10’
The initial report about Sithole’s supposed decuplets was published by Pretoria News, a South African media outlet. According to the report, the 37-year-old woman gave birth to ten babies at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in South Africa. The babies were quickly dubbed the ‘Tembisa 10,’ referencing the township where Sithole and her partner, Teboho Tsotetsi, lived.
The article claimed that Sithole was originally expecting eight babies, but the count unexpectedly increased to ten during delivery. With reputable outlets such as BBC sharing the story, the public was captivated by what appeared to be a medical marvel.
Raising Doubts and Investigating the Claims
As the news spread, donations poured in to support the couple, with many people celebrating the miraculous birth. However, medical professionals and local authorities began questioning the authenticity of the claims. Suspicion grew when no hospital, whether public or private, could confirm the birth of the decuplets.
Authorities in Gauteng province launched an investigation, revealing that there were no official records of such a birth. In a shocking statement, officials confirmed that Sithole was not pregnant at the time.
“It has now been established by medical practitioners that Ms. Sithole did not give birth to any babies in recent times,” the Gauteng Provincial Government stated.
“It has also been established that she was not pregnant in recent times.”
The Journalist’s Perspective and Media Scrutiny
The revelation sparked further questions about how the story gained traction. The journalist who first reported the claim, Pretoria News editor Piet Rampedi, initially stood by his article. He insisted that he had no reason to doubt Sithole and her partner, especially since he had personally seen her with a visibly large belly.
“Even though I stand by the fact that Sithole was pregnant, some aspects of the story could have been handled differently. Could I have handled the story much better? Definitely! Especially the verification process,” Rampedi later admitted.
Rampedi acknowledged that he failed to follow standard journalistic procedures, stating that he treated the story as a human-interest piece rather than an investigative report. He admitted to publishing the article based solely on Sithole’s claims without conducting independent medical verification.
Why Did the Story Go Viral?
Several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the false story:
- Emotional and Unbelievable Narrative – The idea of a mother giving birth to ten babies at once is rare and extraordinary, making it a compelling topic for media coverage.
- Credibility from Established Outlets – Since well-known publications initially reported on it, many people believed the claim without questioning its authenticity.
- Public Excitement and Donations – Many were eager to support what they thought was a historic event, leading to financial contributions to the couple.
The Aftermath and Lingering Questions
Following the exposure of the false claim, Sithole was reportedly placed under medical evaluation. However, the exact reasons behind why she or her partner fabricated the story remain unclear. Speculations suggest it may have been a financial scheme, a personal misunderstanding, or an emotional response to external pressures.
Meanwhile, Pretoria News and its parent company, Independent Media, faced significant backlash. Authorities threatened legal action against Rampedi, further highlighting concerns over media responsibility and fact-checking practices in journalism.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Verification
This case serves as a crucial lesson in journalism and public awareness. In an era of viral news, it is essential to verify claims before accepting them as truth. Medical records, official statements, and thorough investigative practices play a vital role in ensuring accuracy.
While the mystery surrounding Sithole’s motivations remains, the incident underscores the importance of responsible reporting and the need for critical thinking in the digital age.
Final Thoughts
The ‘Tembisa 10’ case remains a cautionary tale about how misinformation can spread rapidly, especially in the age of social media. It highlights the necessity for diligent fact-checking by both journalists and readers alike.
While the truth behind Sithole’s claims is still being unraveled, one thing is clear: not everything that goes viral is true. The public must remain vigilant and seek credible sources before accepting extraordinary claims at face value.
