Double amputee, the darling of Benoni Junior

She may only be six, but Ntokozo Ndaba has great aspirations for the future.

“I first want to become a teacher, then a scientist, and when I get bored with that, I will be a doctor. I will do all of this while playing netball for the Proteas,” said the spirited Grade R learner from Benoni Junior School as she waited outside the principal’s office for a meeting with Benoni City Times.

Sitting, she swings her legs, causing the metal of her prosthetic legs to chime against the wooden chair.

Her bright personality and cheery smile cloaks the fact that she is a double amputee after being born with fibular hemimelia.

After giving birth at the Natalspruit Hospital, Bavilile, Ntokozo’s mom, was overwhelmed by emotion when nursing staff converged at her bedside, telling her her second-born had a congenital defect.

Ntokozo’s feet were severely deformed.

“No one ever dreams of bringing a child into this world to struggle,” said the Daveyton mom.

“She was only 10 days old when we visited the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

“Following rigorous tests, it was decided her legs would be amputated just below the knees at 18 months to accommodate future prosthetics.”

Weeping at the thought of what the future might hold for her child, Bevilile sought guidance from a close friend, also raising an amputee.

“She was my rock. She told me not to shelter Ntokozo from the world but to strive to show her the world and all its magnificent opportunities,” she said.

“From that day, I vowed to raise her without limits, and so doing, she has found ways to figure out how to do things for herself. She is well aware of her condition, but it has not hindered her from being a busy, clever and playful child.”

Clearly proud of her pupil, Pranisha Mansingh, the school principal, describes Ntokozo as a bright learner who actively participates in all aspects of school.

“At break-time, she can be found jumping on the trampoline, often leaving her ‘legs’ where the learners stow their shoes,” said Mansingh.

“Whether it is work or play, she is enthusiastic and dedicated. She is a smart girl with a bright future ahead of her.”

Manisingh continues by saying that although Ntokozo often pokes fun at her abilities, she has formed strong friendships in her class, with her peers seemingly blind to her physical appearance.

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“Children are amazing. Their friendships are made with the soul of one another,” she said.

“The world would be wonderful if we built friendships on this level.”

To ensure Ntokozo can continue moving independently, and to accommodate her physical development, new prosthetics must be custom-made annually at a cost of about R50 000 per set.

“It is quite rare for a child her age to require two prosthetic legs,” said Bavelile.

“The wonderful team at Tambo Memorial Hospital are willing to make them for her, but due to the scarcity of parts specifically designed for children in the public sector, they have advised us to procure them privately.

“Once in hand, the team would make and fit the set.”

With the support of Mansingh and the staff at Benoni Junior School, various fundraising initiatives are under consideration to assist the Ndaba family with the costs.

“Ntokozo’s current prosthetics were kindly sponsored by Dawood Chicken, a gift we are tremendously grateful for,” said Bavelie.

“New prosthetics are essential, and we are investigating all avenues of assistance. For Ntokozo, new legs are not a luxury but an urgent need.”

Those interested in helping the spritely learner can email bavelilemkhwanazi@gmail.com

At the time of publication, the Benoni City Times was unable to confirm the procedure for acquiring prosthetics from the Tambo Memorial Hospital.

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