LIMPOPO – Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says a newly built home for the mother of the conjoined twins will stand as a lasting reminder of the medical milestone achieved at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital.

Ramathuba officially handed over the house to the children’s mother on Wednesday, describing the project as more than just the delivery of a structure.

“There are moments in leadership where one is reminded that true progress is not measured only by the roads we (continue to) construct or the infrastructure we deliver, but by the lives we touch and the hope we restore,” she said.

Risima as an alternative option

The house was funded through Risima Housing Finance Corporation, a Limpopo-based subsidiary of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (Leda), after construction was announced during a sod-turning ceremony earlier this year.

Addressing community members, Ramathuba encouraged residents to make use of opportunities offered by Risima, saying the institution assists people who may struggle to access traditional financing.

Prof Tshifularo ‘put us on the map’

She also paid tribute to renowned surgeon Prof Nyaweleni Tshifularo, who attended the event and played a key role in the treatment and separation of the twins.

“Prof Tshifularo has been travelling this journey with the mother. He has put us on the map,” she said.

An historic medical milestone

The twins were born at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in January after their mother was urgently transferred from Phalaborwa due to the complexity of the pregnancy.

A multidisciplinary team led by Tshifularo later performed a highly specialised separation surgery that drew national attention and was hailed as a milestone for healthcare in Limpopo.

The family’s journey was marked by both triumph and tragedy. While doctors successfully separated the twins, one of the babies died in April after developing severe sepsis and multiple organ failure following the procedure.

Speaking directly to the mother during the handover, Ramathuba said the greatest expression of gratitude would be seeing the surviving child thrive in the years ahead.

“You don’t need to say thank you to Risima. You will say thank you when we come back one day and see these children with a future, with professions, working and uplifting you,” she said.

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The house will tell a story

Ramathuba said the story of the family and the support they received demonstrates what can be achieved through partnerships between government, healthcare professionals and the broader community.

“This house will tell the story of the work done at Mankweng Hospital,” she said.