The De Wet family is overflowing with joy as they welcome the arrival of Ziaan Marnoux, the first firstborn son in five generations.

Born on February 24 to proud parents Trezay and Janco de Wet, this little boy’s birth has marked a historic moment for the family.

Trezay’s great-grandmother, Elizabeth Jooste (93), had seven children, including a firstborn daughter, Cathy Buys (73). Cathy had three daughters, and her firstborn daughter is Diane Buys (52). Diane had one daughter who is Trezay (28).

Ziaan’s arrival is the culmination of a long-awaited dream for the family, who have been predominantly female for generations.

“We’ve always had lots of girls in the family, and we’ve raised them to be strong emotionally and physically,” said Trezay’s grandmother, Cathy.

Trezay and Janco, high school sweethearts who have been together for 12 years and married for seven, were overjoyed when they found out they were expecting a boy.

“When I went for my scan, Janco was in Cape Town for a work trip. I asked my doctor to put the results in an envelope, and we opened them together when I fetched him from the airport.

“We felt absolute joy,” Trezay said, recalling the moment they received the news. It wasn’t until they took a family photo that the significance of their son’s birth truly sank in – he is the first firstborn son in five generations.

The family is praying for Ziaan’s future, with Trezay and Janco hoping he’ll grow up with strong leadership skills and be deeply rooted in faith.

“We want him to have an experience that I never had, which is having both parents together. His great-great-grandmother is worried that he will be spoiled because of the love he is receiving,” Janco and Trazey added.

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As the family celebrates this milestone, they’re also grateful for the support of loved ones. “Our family and friends have been amazing,” Trezay said. “We’re excited to see what the world has in store for him.”