A CHRISTMAS wish was granted to one of the South’s bravest residents, on Friday, December 4.
Shazia Dudhia, a Grade 11 learner at Verney College, wrote to the 947 Breakfast Xpress Wish to ask for a prosthetic leg for her friend, Siyamthanda Bakamela, whose leg was amputated after a dog attack.
Darren Simpson dubbed Siyamthanda the bravest girl in Joburg after leaving the 947 Breakfast Xpress team in tears and without words. This came after her father, Vusi Khumalo, related the story to the team on December 4.
Siyamthanda’s right leg was amputated in May after she was mauled by dogs.
As soon as Darren and the team heard about the story, they knew they had to help. He called Penny Stein from the Dis-Chem Foundation and she offered to sponsor the brave young girl with a prosthetic leg and counselling.
Vusi thanked everyone involved in helping her daughter, especially Verney College. “The parents, learners, teachers and the principal at the school have been amazing to my family, thank you.”
Aldina Pinpo-Teixeira, principal of Verney College, said they are grateful to have wonderful learners who are willing to help others. She mentioned that Siyamthanda will get her prosthetic leg sometime next year.
During the show, a teary Siyamthanda thanked everybody who helped her.
Now with the help of Dis-Chem, Siya will get the chance to walk again.
The 947 Breakfast Xpress Wish team stated that if someone you know continues to persevere through dark times and needs a helping hand, tell them about it. Submit your stories on www.947.co.za or email wish@947.co.za, and they’ll make a plan on the 947 Breakfast Xpress Wish. Potential sponsors for a wish can e-mail wishsponsor@947.co.za
The COURIER will keep our readers updated on the progress of Siyamthanda.
