Juan van Niekerk was born with a cleft lip and palate on August 28, 2024, and his parents are seeking assistance with paying an outstanding co-payment on his previous surgery for them to move forward.

According to Juan’s mother, Shanzu, Juan went for his first surgery on January 30, where they built up the opening in his throat and his uvula.

His next surgery to close his palate and lip is scheduled for April 10, but it cannot be done until the outstanding co-payment of R17 503.32 is paid.

Juan is currently on his grandmother’s medical aid, and his operation is being done at the Life Wilgers Hospital in Pretoria.

Both of Juan’s parents are currently seeking work and can, therefore, not afford to contribute to the co-payments on his consultations and procedures.

“We have no idea how much the next operation will cost, but given that it is a big procedure, we assume it will be a big amount,” Shanzu told the Middelburg Observer.

Shanzu and Juan’s dad, JP, have started a crowd-funding account to raise funds towards both operations.

These procedures are crucial for Juan to live a normal life and will ease difficulties with feeding.

Anyone who wishes to contribute towards the medical expenses can visit the following link:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/baby-juan-van-niekerk