Mom sues Gauteng Health after twins split at birth: 'It's been traumatising. I struggle a lot'

Bongani Bingwa interviews Sibongile Makhoba, a mother whose twins were tragically split at birth and given to different families due to an alleged mix-up at a government hospital.

Listen below.

How does the ultimate joy of parenthood transform into a horror so profound that it feels as though your life has been irrevocably shattered?

Becoming a parent is often considered one of life’s greatest blessings, a source of deep love and challenge.

But imagine the nightmare of discovering that the child you’ve raised as your own is not biologically yours.

This is the heart-wrenching dilemma at the centre of Sibongile Makhoba's story.

Makhoba, a mother whose fraternal twins, Zandile and Zandi, were tragically separated at birth due to an alleged mix-up at a government hospital, is now fighting to reunite her family.

After years of searching for answers, she is suing the Gauteng Health Department for negligence, demanding R10 million in compensation for the trauma her family has endured.

"Yoh! That was a traumatising day."

- Sibongile Makhoba

Makhoba’s journey began when Zandile, one of her twins, was playing netball and someone mentioned how much she resembled another girl, Mbali.

At first, Makhoba didn’t think much of it, but as more and more people pointed out the striking resemblance between Zandile and Mbali, her curiosity grew.

Eventually, Zandile posted a photo of Mbali on social media, and Makhoba was stunned by the uncanny likeness.

"I thought I had maybe triplets and then they stole one of my children."

- Sibongile Makhoba

Driven by this revelation, Makhoba and a colleague began investigating further.

They befriended Mbali on social media and began asking questions about her birth and her family’s background.

Slowly, they pieced together the disturbing truth.

By this time, the twins were 16 years old.

"It was very difficult because I wanted to know how is she coping, how is she living, is she okay? I struggle a lot."

- Sibongile Makhoba

Makhoba finally contacted Mbali’s family, but Mbali’s mother showed no interest in pursuing the matter.

Undeterred, Makhoba turned to social workers, who recommended a DNA test.

The results confirmed that Makhoba was Zandile’s biological mother, but not Zandi’s.

"It was difficult because that family didn't want to do anything with the child that I have."

- Sibongile Makhoba

Today, Zandile, Zandi, and Mbali are all living with Makhoba.

The transition has been seamless, Makhoba says, after she reassured Zandi that she would always be her mother, regardless of biology.

But the trauma of this ordeal is far from over.

Makhoba’s battle to find her children and hold the Health Department accountable for the horrific mistake continues

The emotional toll on her family has been immense, and she is determined to seek justice for the pain and loss they’ve suffered.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.