20 children to undergo reconstructive surgery at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Burns survivor Nonhlanhla Zwane and Khuthadzo Mukwevho – among 20 children from previously disadvantaged families to undergo reconstructive surgery at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital this week – had every reason to share an occasional smile.

In marking Smile Week and Burns Awareness Month, the foundation and the hospital, have forged a new collaboration, to make a life-changing difference to the toddlers – all in tribute to the legacy of South Africa’s world-acclaimed former president, Nelson Mandela.

With most surgeries performed this week involving cleft lip and palate repair – except for Zwane, who is to undergo tissue expander surgery and another child undergoing full ear reconstruction – Smile week will run until the weekend, according to the Smile Foundation.

Most burn cases involve children

Remembering those affected by the phenomenon, the foundation said 60% of all annual burn cases involved children, describing it as “a national public health problem”.

While Zwane, 5, is due to undergo a major reconstructive surgery to her face and forehead, Mukwevho, 5, was on Tuesday celebrating a successful operation on his cleft palate at the hospital’s first floor surgical ward – tossing around toys.

ALSO READ: Children receive reconstructive surgeries at Charlotte Maxeke hospital

Said a proud mother, Tshilidzi Mukwevho: “Khuthadzo was born with a cleft lip and palate, which required a reconstructive surgery.

“Doctors repaired the cleft lip when he was four months old and he underwent the first stage of the palate last year, with the final surgery completed this week.

“He is ready to go to school next year, smile and talk normally with other kids. I am grateful to the contribution and priceless gift from the Smile Foundation.”

Recalling the fateful day when her Vosloorus home was engulfed by fire, claiming lives of her parents and niece, with Nonhlanhla emerging as the only survivor, said mother Smangele Zwane: “The 8th of September 2018 was the day our lives changed forever.

“Nonhlanhla was only nine months old at the time.

“I thought she was safe at home with my parents and niece, but then I got a call from our neighbours to say that our house was on fire.

ALSO READ: 780 operations cancelled at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

“I lost both my parents and my niece in that fire, but I am grateful that my daughter survived.

“It was the hardest and saddest time of my life, with my little girl fighting for her life in the intensive care unit.

“I never had my own mother to turn to, because she was gone.”

Due to burns, the toddler lost her ear, some of her fingers and part of her nose, having undergone some surgeries. Learning how to walk at three, she still struggles with her left foot – damaged in the inferno.

“I am so grateful to the doctors who will be helping my child and to Smile Foundation for making this happen for us.

“I would never be able to afford this kind of surgery for my child and I know it will make a great difference to her life,” she said.

A team from U Matter – a parent and peer support group for burn survivors in South Africa, run by Smile and Avela foundations, will be on site during Smile Week to give Smangele and Nonhlanhla psychological support.

‘Transforming lives’

Said Smile Foundation CEO Kim Robertson Smith: “At Smile Foundation, overwhelming gratitude is an emotion we never tire of, especially when it comes to our Smile Week – the many lives that are touched, transforming lives of many children.

“We would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our sponsor, Sensodyne, whose generous contribution has made it possible for the children to undergo their surgeries – receive the medical care and support they need.

“We’d also like to express deep gratitude for the visiting professors who will be sharing their invaluable skills, the surgeons and hospital support staff who have so kindly dedicated their time and talent to this cause.

ALSO READ: Madiba magic: Mandela always celebrated around children

“A very special thank you to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital for partnering with us.”

“This is an exciting week for us at Nelson Mandela Children’s hospital. This could not be achieved without our dedicated doctors, nurses, allied and reception staff,” Dr Pinky Chirwa, clinical director at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

-brians@citizen.co.za