“Four my foot” was the response from a Site C mother-to-be when nursing staff at the Michael Mapongwane District Hospital told her she was pregnant with four babies.
The reality hit when she was shown her four beautiful “blessings” at Tygerberg Hospital after they were born by Caesarean section on Friday July 6.
Inga Mafenuka, 22, says she is overwhelmed by the birth of her quadruplets, two girls and two boys who have been named Bunono, Bungcwele, Bubele and Buchule.
Medical staff decided to deliver the babies early, when Ms Mafenuka was 29 weeks pregnant, as it was in the best interest of the mother and the unborn children.
During the birth, each baby had its own dedicated paediatrician in the theatre while the mother was supported by a midwife and anaesthetist.
The hospital this week confirmed that the mother and children are in good health.
With a smile, Ms Mafenuka and the hospital staff met the media at the maternity ward on Monday July 9.
The excited new mother said she has accepted the arrival of her four children.
“It is incredible and unbelievable. But I appreciate the blessings. My family is more happy than me because these are the first grandchildren at home,” she said.
On Monday her room was full of visitors including the MEC for Health, Nomafrench Mbombo, who came to congratulate and wish her well.
Good Samaritans came in numbers to shower the family with gifts, which brought more smiles and hope to the mother who said she was grateful for the love being shown to them.
In a country full of crime and other social ills, Ms Mafenuka has one wish for Buchule, Bunono, Bungcwele and Bubele.
“I wish them a good life, good health and to grow very strong. They should grow up to become good citizens,” she told Vukani.
She said she was worried because the world could be a dangerous place.
The former IT student at Greenfield College has had to give up her studies and her own mother is also unemployed.
Ms Mbombo said the young mother will need more support from everyone.
“You know what they say, two is company and three is a crowd, but four is something else,” joked Ms Mbombo.
Ms Mbombo said she was glad the babies were born in good health .
“It is rare that we will experience this. I am excited because the mother and her quads are in very good condition and are doing extremely well,” she said.
But more excited were paediatrician Dr Haseena Hassan and obstetrician in training, Dr Celeste van Drunick.
Dr Van Drunick delivered the babies. “It was extraordinarily good for me. The mother is a good mother.
“She was so relaxed. I was so nervous but I’m so happy for me and the team,” said Dr Van Drunick.
Dr Hassan said the eldest child weighed 980g, the second one 1 110g, the third 1 030g and the last to be born, 980g.
“They are very strong children,” she said.