WHEN single mother Patricia Ambani, of Khubvi outside Thohoyandou, gave birth to quadruplets last September she touched the hearts of many people who decided to help her raise the children. But a year later the quads are living in poverty

Patricia's elder sister, Khangweleni Ambani, yesterday spoke about the plight of the quads and said unless something happens their future looks dark.

The mother of the children works for a private security firm. She has hired someone to care for the quads while she is at work.

Apart from the quads, Patricia, 30, has two other children. The first-born is 14 years old and in Grade 8 and second born is seven and in Grade 2.

Her sister said after their birth a trust account was opened so people could donate money.

"But so far even baby milk is a problem," Nkhangweleni said.

The local hospital gives them milk once a month.

"But sometimes, before the month ends, they have finished the milk and we must raise money to buy more baby milk," she said.

The trust account only contains R3000 and the committee has disbanded.

"Many people lost interest in the welfare of the children," Nkhangweleni said.

She said a new committee, run by Frederick Silima of Promat College in Thohoyandou, has pledged to raise funds.

Thohoyandou businessman Benjamin Netshisauli pledged R500 a month for three years.

"He has kept his promise and his money is what we rely on every month," she said.

But with the little she gets it is a tall order to make sure the children get a decent living.