Bike accident dashes teen’s hopes to finish matric
It will take him up to six months to recover but the education department says he needs to be back at school in six weeks
THE leg injuries a matric pupil sustained in a motorcycle accident over a month ago, have dashed his dream of completing his matric this year.
Although Henk Moolman was lucky to get an early operation and be discharged from hospital, this 18-year-old grade 12 learner will not be able to fully recover in time to complete his matric year.
It will take the teen up to six months to walk again, while the Department of Education said he needed to be back at school within six weeks.
Moolman was on his way home from school when he collided with a bakkie on Pomona Road on February 4, resulting in his left leg’s femur being broken in two places, ripping open the skin. He also suffered a torn right knee.
EXPRESS last reported that Moolman spent his 18th birthday in Tembisa Hospital and was on a waiting list and would have to wait a month for an operation to be done on both his legs, as well as a skin graft on his right knee.
Fortunately, he was operated on, on February 17, almost two weeks after the accident, and was discharged two days later.
But just as things were getting better for the teenager, the situation took a turn for the worse. According to his sister, Antoinette, it now seems he won’t be able to complete his matric this year due to his injuries.
Antoinette and Moolman’s mother, Corna, spoke to his teachers at Oos-Rand Akademie last week about his situation and the options available.
“They all were very friendly and understanding about my brother’s situation, but unfortunately the education department said Henk must go back to school in six weeks and we don’t think that would be possible,” Antoinette explained.
“His teachers also said most of his work had to be done in class and he already had a lot to catch up on. Our only option now is that Henk finishes his matric next year. His wounds are not looking that great and he is still in so much pain. We will first make sure he is healthy and ready to finish school next year.”
Henk is positive about this outcome and the family feels it is the best decision to make right now.
“Although the news was extremely disappointing for Henk, he is also happy about it because it will give him enough time to recover. This has at least taken the stress of his work backlog off his shoulders and he can concentrate on getting better,” his mother said.
But ensuring Henk is back in perfect health next year, is taking time and a lot of money. His family is struggling financially to obtain the necessary medical care he needs.
According to Corna, it costs R250 a day for essential physiotherapy he needs.
“Just the other day we had a nurse at home for general treatment of his wounds and to help him get out of bed, as he can’t walk on his own yet. Just for that consultation alone, which didn’t last more than two hours, the nurse’s bill amounted to R1 000,” Corna said.
The nurse gave advice on how to exercise his leg, which Corna and Antoinette are helping him with. Henk also has a bed soar on his coccyx which is being treated.
Until now, Henk has just been relying on the medication he received from the hospital when he was discharged, which will be finished soon.
If you would like to make a contribution, call Corna on 078-774-0865. People can also keep updated with Henk’s progress on Facebook: www.facebook.com/antoinette.moolman.33.
