Big send-off for fabulous Celiwe
Celiwe Maseko, the five-year-old who had a transplant of cloned skin for burns to 35 per cent of her body at Netcare Garden City Hospital on 25 April, said at a farewell party held at the hospital for her on Saturday afternoon that she was “so very, very happy and excited” to see her friends …

Celiwe Maseko, the five-year-old who had a transplant of cloned skin for burns to 35 per cent of her body at Netcare Garden City Hospital on 25 April, said at a farewell party held at the hospital for her on Saturday afternoon that she was “so very, very happy and excited” to see her friends again.
Dressed to the nines for her special send-off there was little doubt who the belle of the ball was.
It was no surprise that Celiwe’s been missing her family and friends since last weekend was the first time in five months that she was allowed to go home from hospital for a visit. And it may be a little while yet before she is able to return home on a permanent basis.
Celiwe was assessed at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital to determine what therapy she still needs.
“It may be that Celiwe can be treated on an out-patient basis at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital,” says her plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Ridwan Mia.
“Alternatively she may need two weeks or so of physio and other rehabilitation therapy at the hospital to get her fully mobile again. It all depends on the results of her assessment and what further interventions are needed to help her recover fully.”
On the afternoon of 8 June, however, Celiwe was only interested in having fun, enjoying spending time with her family and friends and opening the many presents that were heaped upon her by hospital staff and other well-wishers. This much was evident from her chipper mood and happy smile. She also said she was looking forward to spending another weekend at home.
“Celiwe has spoken about little else other than her farewell celebration ever since staff at the hospital asked her two weeks ago if she wanted a party,” says her mother, Katlego Maseko.
“She made me draw up a list of her friends she wanted to invite and was exceptionally excited, finding it difficult to keep still all this week. I think she will remember this happy day for a long time to come.”
Katlego says that it has been a long road since Celiwe’s dress accidentally was set alight by a friend in January, but she and her husband Brown are pleased that their little girl is making such a strong recovery.
Dr Mia says that Celiwe’s recovery has been excellent but her progress will still need close monitoring. One burn on her buttocks has completely healed and no longer needs to be dressed. The cloned skin on her other wounds has taken and is starting to heal well.
Dr Mia, who recently was awarded the Order of Baobab by the Presidency, says it has been a great privilege to treat Celiwe.
Paediatric intensivist, Dr Porai Moshesh, who together with a highly qualified and experienced nursing team, was responsible for Celiwe’s day to day care in the paediatric intensive care unit, says that the doctors and staff at Netcare Garden City Hospital have all grown very fond of Celiwe and are definitely going to miss her sunny presence.
Celiwe, who is from Kagiso, underwent the same highly advanced autologous skin transplant that was done on Pippie Kruger at Netcare Garden City Hospital last year.
Celiwe’s cloned skin is being funded through the generosity of the Pippie’s Gesiggie Foundation, which was established by Pippie’s mother, Anice Kruger.
Celiwe’s skin was grown at a laboratory at Genzyme in Boston, Massachusetts before being flown to South Africa for her procedure. This is only the second time in the world and the first time in Africa that the transplant has been performed on a dark skinned patient.
Sandile Mbele, general manager of Netcare Garden City Hospital, thanked the doctors and staff involved in Celiwe’s operation and care.
“This is the kind of groundbreaking treatment for which our facility is becoming well known and it is all thanks to these expert and dedicated individuals,” he added.
Celiwe’s parents have set up a fund to support the financing of several further procedures that she will require in future. Those who would like to assist may do so through the following account: CO Maseko, ABSA Bank, Money Builder savings account, account number 9282050654, branch code 632005.
Photographs of Celiwe and the procedures she has undergone are available at www.netcare.co.za.