A MOUNT Moriah, mother Ayanda Ngcobo said she had never thought she would see the day her son is able to freely move around. Six years ago Ngcobo gave birth to baby boy, who she believes is one of the most precious gifts she’s ever received, which is why she named him Lethokuhle which means ‘Bringing good things’. But Ngcobo’s precious gift was born seven months premature .
After a few months, Letho’s now late grandmother realised there was something wrong with the little boy’s legs.
Depending on government’s social grant for survival, Ngcobo had no choice but to hope that government healthcare could do something to help her son.
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“My late mother was changing Letho’s nappy when she realised his legs weren’t moving. we went to hospital and they confirmed that indeed something wasn’t right. We’ve been going for regular check ups. Doctor’s have ruled out the possibility of him ever walking, but they’re still trying to at least do something to help him not have to wear a nappy,” said Ngcobo.
The ever smiling Lethokuhle’s life was changed for the better when local councillor Pete Graham was drawn by this bright smile. Through Graham’s assistance, last week Lethokuhle handed a wheelchair, nappies and food supplies.
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In a Facebook post Graham mobilised various community stakeholders to lend a helping hand. He managed to secure a wheelchair which was Letho’s most urgent need as he had to use his hands and lifeless legs to move around, which sometimes led to bleeding and excruciating pain.
During the interview with the Northglen News a tearful Ngcobo said she can’t even begin to show how grateful she is.
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“God is great. I hope more people in situations like mine get the kind of support and assistance I’ve received. Graham has been very helpful to us,” she said.
Living in a semi informal settlement where most people are not educated about conditions like Letho’s, his mother said her biggest wish is for people to be taught about such things. Ngcobo who lives with her three siblings and 20 children in a four-rooom house said now she’s just hoping to get a house for her and her son.
“Like in any other family my siblings and I fight. But it’s really not healthy for Letho because sometimes when they swear at him they use his condition as if it’s a curse. I don’t want him to grow up in this kind of environment because it will lower his self esteem,” said Ngcobo.
Ngcobo is currently looking for a school for little Letho who will turn six in August.
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