A STRONG bond between two siblings has seen them through trying times, and their unconditional love has now helped them conquer their biggest life challenge.
When Johnson Mthethwa (35) was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 2010, only one woman was brave enough to risk her life to keep him alive.
Even though Johnson lost hope of ever seeing his children grow, the support of his family, especially his sister, helped him pulled through and regain his health.
This lucky man from eMacekane recently underwent a kidney transplant at Albert Luthuli Hospital, after the generous donation from his younger sister.
‘I didn’t want her to risk her life for me. She has children of her own and her responsibilities are with them. I was prepared to die,’ says Johnson.
This successful procedure was facilitated by Ngwelezana Hospital staff who monitored his health for over five years.
‘I started my kidney hemodialysis at Ngwelezana Hospital in 2011, before they arranged for me to go to Durban.
‘Over the years, the Ngwelezana staff ensured I received the best care and monitored my illness.’
Johnson was first diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2009 when he was only 28 years old.
Not only did the sad news drastically change his life, but for him it seemed like the beginning of the end.
‘I felt hopeless and I soon accepted that I was going to die. I feared for my four children and wife,’ says Johnson.
He stared death in the face as his health deteriorated and was forced to stop working, but had to undergo kidney dialyses for four hours, three times a week.
While still struggling with his condition, a catheter had to be inserted on his neck as his kidneys had completely stopped functioning, causing more serious complications to his already weak body.
‘I underwent several types of treatment which I received from Ngwelezana Hospital. It was not easy, some days were better than others but with the grace of God I pulled through,’
For years Johnson lived with no hope of a full recovery until his 33-year-old sister, Nokwethemba, offered to save his life.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer this week, she said her love for her brother played a huge role when making the decision.
‘Since the death of our parents he has played a huge role in our lives and took care of us. What I have given him doesn’t compare to what he has been to us as a family,’ said Nokwethemba.
Johnson is now back at Hlanganisani Construction where he works as a safety officer.
He now conducts awareness campaigns with Ngwelelezana Hospital, educating other kidney patients.
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