After months of pain, prayers and perseverance, 20-year-old Hané van der Merwe from Ballito is slowly finding her strength again – and her story is nothing short of a miracle.

Last October, Hané and her boyfriend, Miguel Nicholson, were involved in a horrific car accident while travelling to Porto, Portugal. Hané was left in a coma, fighting for her life in a foreign country.

“I have no memory of the accident. When I finally woke up, I was sedated and confused, trying to make sense of it all,” she said.

Her recovery has stunned doctors. “It’s a miracle,” they told her, and she believes it’s only by God’s grace that she is still alive.

“My journey is far from over. I still have three more operations ahead, but I continue to walk with faith.”

The emotional and physical toll has been immense. Losing her independence was the hardest part.

“I have had to adjust to a whole new life, monthly hospital visits, weekly physiotherapy, speech therapy and sessions with psychologists. It has been exhausting. But I choose to keep going.”

There are days she just wants to stay in bed. But she finds strength in her faith, her family and Miguel’s unwavering commitment.

Also read: Ballito teens critically injured in Portugal car accident

“He has been by my side since day one, holding my hand through it all. Our families, including the Mendes family, never left me.”

What touched her most was the outpouring of support from people across the world.

“Candles were lit and prayers were said every night at 7pm for 21 days. From Blythedale to overseas, I didn’t even know at the time. When I found out later, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I have never felt so loved,” said Hané.

As a young woman, she admits that the visible changes to her body have shaken her confidence.

“I wear a scarf or scrum cap to cover my head. People stare. I try not to let it get to me, but it’s hard. Living with a stoma bag has been tough, the noise, the discomfort, the routine of changing it. I miss my hair. I miss feeling normal.”

Despite everything, Hané has found deep gratitude in survival.

“God saved me. It is not the life I knew, but it is a second chance, and I am thankful.”

She praised the medical teams in both Portugal and South Africa for never giving up on her.

“I was meant to be taken to a smaller hospital. But thanks to Miguel’s grandmother, We were taken to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon and they saved my life.”

As she prepares for more surgeries, Hané dreams of using her experience to help others.

“One day, I want to travel, share my story and support people facing their own battles. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You might not see it now, but it is there. Keep walking.”

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