Little Wanga warms doctors’ hearts

Netcare Sunninghill celebrates as young Wanga Khumeleni, who recently turned six, grows stronger – just over two months after undergoing intricate heart surgery.

Her father, Takalani Khumeleni, said it came as a shock to the family when doctors discovered that their daughter had a heart murmur as Wanga is their only child. He describes her as one who has a big personality for such a little person, “She is our only child for now. Her birthday, which was on 21 June, had special significance for us this year because of all that she has been through and has overcome.”

Paediatric cardiologist Professor Lindy Mitchell explained, “In South Africa, approximately 12 000 children are born every year with a life-threatening heart problem. The majority of children’s heart defects can, fortunately, be repaired, leaving the child with a normal quality of life, life expectancy, and future.

“We have to find these children in order to help them and then have trained paediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons to treat them. Yet, while the problem of heart disease in children is huge, the number of specialists available to treat them is unfortunately very small. Little Wanga was born with two serious heart defects that needed surgical repair. In the state sector, the waiting time for her operations was at least six months.”

The family is excited about her future as everything looks bright, “Wanga said she wanted to be a doctor, but I think she’s had quite enough of doctors and hospitals for now, and she is just enjoying each moment to the fullest,” added Khumeleni.

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