It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, but for Charles and Madelein Botha, of Rynfield, love was all that was needed to raise their little “village”.
After six years of faithful prayer, the Botha’s were blessed with the arrival of their quadruplets, Mieke, Carlo, Dian and Heinz.
Now, 18 years later, the Hoërskool Brandwag siblings are sitting hunched over exam papers as they complete the last chapter of their school careers.
Sitting in their lounge on November 10, the quartet easily slipped into conversation, with each of their unique personalities shining through.
Born at 29½ weeks, Mieke, the eldest of the four, says that the sibs have a close bond, with spats always short-lived when Dian steps in as a mediator.
“Much like our appearance, we each have our own personalities, likes and dislikes,” she said.
“Pre- and primary school was sometimes frustrating as we were always viewed as an inseparable unit, however, once we started high school people did not immediately realise that we are quads. We were able to let our unique little flags fly.”
Describing themselves as selective introverts, the Botha’s have shone in various fields with Mieke and Dian forming part of the national team that competed at the Commonwealth Dance Cup at Sun City in 2019.
The duo tapped their way into the judges’ hearts with each placing among the top 10 in their categories.
“We loved dancing and through healthy competition, we motivated each other to do better,” said Dian.
“Covid-19, unfortunately, put an end to our competitive tap dancing careers as we decided to rather focus on our academics.”
Dubbed the spokesperson of the family, Carlo says he is reservedly more extroverted, becoming a regular on the debate podium.
Along with brothers Dian and Heinz they were keen ringball players and subsequently attained Protea colours.
“Keeping up with this lot’s varying activities often required fine balancing but it is not something I will ever complain about,” said Madelein.
“Having them in our lives has been a blessing beyond measure and I had a front-row seat, seeing how they each discovered their own identities and strengths.”
Speaking of their exams and managing the associated stress, the Botha’s say that diligent preparation and faith is the only way to tackle every subject.
“A hush falls throughout the house when we start studying. We have our methods. But when it comes to maths, we all huddle around the dining room table going through the work together,” said Heinz.
“We are fortunate to each have been born with a study group!”
As they slowly tick off the days to the end of the exams, the family is also preparing for the next leap into the next chapter of their lives.
“Pending the outcome of their final results, the children have all been provisionally accepted to study at the North West University (NWU), in Potchefstroom,” said Madelein.
“Mieke will be studying art and design, Carlo IT, Dian industrial engineering and Heinz risk management.
“Thinking of them all leaving the roost at once is daunting. Our home is abruptly going to become an empty nest, but this is their time to find their place in the world and to stand tall in their convictions.”
The four agreed that attending university together would make the transition from scholar to student a little easier, as they will always have the familiarity of home close by.
“Our mom always says that you should work as if success depends solely on you, but pray as if everything depends on God,” said Mieke.
“I apply this motto in my life daily and believe that this type of guidance from our mom has kept us grounded.”
Looking to their dad for wisdom, Heinz says that remaining accountable for your actions and effort is how he approaches every aspect of life.
“Our dad always says never expect anything in life. When you work hard you will reach your goals,” he said.
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