Twelve-year-old Tumelo Mhlakoana from Mpola in eThekwini’s Ward 15 has experienced a progressive decline in his mobility and independence, gradually losing his ability to walk and play with other children.
However, support from University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Occupational Therapy students has brought renewed hope to his family.
According to his older sister, who is also his primary caregiver, Tumelo initially developed typically and was able to walk independently during early childhood. “Around Grade 3 (about 2019), the family noticed changes in his walking pattern,” she said.
Over time, Tumelo began falling more frequently, and other children often had to assist him at school and on his way home. His sister explained that, despite attending hospital appointments at different facilities, the family had not received a definitive diagnosis, and the cause of his progressive weakness remained unclear.
Around 2022, Tumelo’s condition worsened significantly. “He became increasingly weak and unstable when moving, eventually losing the ability to walk independently. He is now unable to stand on his own and unable to walk. He bum-shuffles, and his postural control is very poor without external support,” said fourth-year Occupational Therapy student, Ms Kwanele Sandiswa Khumalo.
During their Community Practice Block in Mpola, UKZN final-year Occupational Therapy students visited Tumelo and his family at their home. The visit highlighted the challenges he faces and prompted the students to take a closer interest in his circumstances.
The students have since assisted with Tumelo’s school placement, they are hands-on with his wheelchair training following its donation from the Themba Njilo Foundation; they are also vested in his rehabilitation and stimulation as a way of returning him to maximal function.
The students and their Occupational Therapy lecturer, Dr December Mpanza, who is also the Discipline’s Community Practice Module Co-ordinator, were recently invited to an interview on Ukhozi FM’s Woza Nabangani Bakho programme to discuss Tumelo’s circumstances and the support being mobilised for him.
Mpanza explained that occupations include everyday activities through which people care for themselves, enjoy life and contribute to their communities. Occupational therapists work collaboratively with individuals to help them participate in activities they need, are expected or want to do, such as attending school or playing with other children.
Mpanza was joined for the interview on Ukhozi FM by three final-year students, Ms Minenhle Mbambani, Ms Sandiswa Khumalo and Ms Snenhlanhla Shandu, as well as their clinical supervisor, Ms Mariam Meer.
Mpanza announced that the Department of Human Settlements had committed to building a house for Tumelo’s family, with completion targeted for December 2026.
He also expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) supporting Tumelo and his family, including the Community Outreach Centre at St Marys, Thuleleni TV, Themba Njilo Foundation, Indalo and Enhle Herbs and Beyond, TP Wellness Centre and Ukhozi FM. He particularly acknowledged Babheke, producer of Woza Nabangani Bakho.
For further information about the initiative, contact UKZN’s Occupational Therapy Discipline at mpanzad@ukzn.ac.za.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied