Two sets of triplets in less than two years

Barbara Hollands EAST LONDON CORRESPONDENT hollandsb@avusa.co.za

AN EASTERN Cape family have become celebrities in their community after giving birth to two set of triplets in just 16 months.

The Mfakadolos of Ilitha near King William‘s Town welcomed three little girls into the fold three weeks ago, even though their first set of triplets have barely learnt to walk.

Now the family is struggling to keep up with nappy changes and feeding schedules and a full night‘s sleep is a distant memory. “It is a miracle, but it is very hard work,” said proud but tired dad Mzukisi Mfakadolo, 35, who could not believe it when he was told his wife was pregnant with triplets for a second time.

“Our first triplets, two girls – Kwakanya and Kwalunga – and a boy, Inati, were born on May 29 last year and in February this year I noticed my wife Lungisa was not okay, so we went to the hospital and the doctor said we were having triplets again! It was a big surprise because I was expecting one child.

“I was also shocked because I wondered how I would manage, because I am unemployed. Still, they are a gift from God. My community has congratulated me – they say I have put Ilitha on the map because people have never heard of anyone having two set of triplets!”

The little girls – Zamampondo, Zanathi and Indiphile – were born by caesarean section on September 1.

Although the new baby girls were welcomed by their parents, the older triplets were less thrilled to be faced with three new sisters. “They try to hit them because they are jealous.”

Between their six babies the Mfakadolos use 100 nappies per week and five tins of milk formula. A trip to the clinic means a car must be hired at a cost of R200.

“We are struggling because our only income is a R210 grant each for the older triplets,” said Mfakadolo who had been a police reservist for 10 years.

On top of all the feeding and crying, they have to keep a vigilant eye on one of the older triplets who has a penchant for nibbling on laundry soap.

“Inati is the only one who can walk and he eats soap so his new name is Sunlight.”

The couple, who also have two older children Sive, 9, and Sibokuhle, 5, live in a zinc shack in the backyard of a house owned by his parents.

This week exhausted mom Lungisa, 32, left the chilly shack with her new infants to spend a few weeks with her parents in Sterkstroom near Queenstown, while her husband remained at home with the five older children and his helpful mother.

“No more children for us. We have so many children I am thinking of opening a crèche!” quipped Mfakadolo.

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