An overflow of gratitude was expressed by a local sergeant after she received support from the community.
The article Hope is never lost in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette [Week ending 18 September] described Norwood’s Sergeant Makoma Nurse Tshwale’s need for a corneal transplant. Due to some policy constraints with her medical aid, Tshwale would be required to personally top-up a shortfall cost of the operation. The article appealed to readers for assistance in funds to fill this shortfall.
Read the full story here: Lack of eyesight is not a stumbling block for dedicated Sergeant
Tshwale, who is stationed at the Social Crime Prevention Unit, had the operation done on 17 February this year and expressed her relief that it went well. “The operation was successful even though I was told that changes were not going to be instant. For now, however, I can see the change, there is a difference because I can recognise colours people are wearing and the door opening.
“It’s not 100 per cent clear but I do recognise things around myself. I will now only be going back for check-ups. Thank you to those who came on board with financial aid and were touched by my situation.”
She recalled how a certain resident from Parkhurst saw the article, took it to the police station and looked for her then took her to Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre for check-ups. Another police officer from Sandringham Police Station also came across the article and rendered his support.
Tshwale said the operation was done in Northcliff and took almost three hours. “I was booked off for two weeks just to relax and heal. The operation was not that painful, only a little pain to show something had happened. When I went back to remove the bandage, the doctor was impressed with the progress.”
She also thanked the Norwood Community Police Forum (CPF) for its role.
Chairperson of the CPF Colin Wasserfall confirmed that the money raised was for the shortfall and the bill had not been issued yet. He added that it was also amazing to find out that the doctor who operated on her is part of the Lower Houghton Residents Association. “The community is happy to have supported her and we hope to see her recover, be more and more active as well as continue to become a pillar of strength within the victim empowerment unit.”
Details: Norwood CPF www.ncpf.co.za
