Boy (14) from eMzinoni in urgent need of artificial legs
Hlelokuhle Masina's legs were amputated due to gangrene.
Even without legs, 14-year-old Hlelokuhle Masina still dreams of making a name for himself in the soccer world. The teen from eMzinoni often takes up the post of goalkeeper, but his mobility has become restricted. He has outgrown his artificial legs and is entirely dependent on his wheelchair.
Hlelokuhle’s legs were amputated due to gangrene. According to his mother, Nonhlanhla Masina, the ordeal began last year when she received a call from his teacher at Vukanini Primary School, informing her that her son had collapsed in class.
“I was shocked because Hlelokuhle was healthy and never complained of any pain before going to school,” she said.
She rushed to the school and took him home. Shortly after arriving, he began vomiting, and she took him to Bethal Hospital.
“The doctors put him on drips because he had lost a lot of fluids, and he was later admitted,” Masina recalled.
Blood tests revealed that Hlelokuhle had gangrene, a condition more common in elderly people than in children.
Gangrene is the death of body tissue caused by a lack of blood flow or severe bacterial infection. It often affects extremities such as fingers and toes, but can also develop in other parts of the body.
The affected area typically becomes discoloured and may be accompanied by pain, swelling, and infection. Without immediate treatment, gangrene can be life-threatening.
“The doctor said it was spreading to my son’s feet, and the only way to stop it was to amputate. I agreed, and they cut off both his legs to save his life,” Masina explained.
After being discharged, Hlelokuhle was fitted with artificial legs provided by the hospital. However, as he has grown, they no longer fit him.
Despite his disability, Hlelokuhle remains passionate about soccer, a sport he played actively before his amputation.
“His dream is to become a soccer star. Even without legs, he still plays as a goalkeeper, thanks to the support of his friends and teachers,” said Masina.
The school has also made adjustments to accommodate him, including building an accessible toilet and ensuring he can move around the premises in his wheelchair.
Masina believes that with new artificial legs, her son will be able to walk again and move closer to achieving his dreams.
She is appealing to the community, businesses, and organisations for assistance. Anyone willing to help may contact her at 082 689 5933 or Ntombi Mayisela at 076 324 4880.
