Busi Mahlangu (35) has been on a waiting list for nearly five years for breast reduction surgery. Mahlangu’s overgrown breasts restrict her from being an active mother to her seven-year-old son and a provider in her family home.

She is in continuous pain and discomfort and says she is self-conscious about going out in public because of her enlarged breasts.
Mahlangu lives in Ext 25, in the Afghanistan location near Kinross.

During her interview with the Ridge Times, she broke down in tears and, through the translation of her relative Zandile Masuku, explained her daily struggles with her massive breasts.

Mahlangu’s chest began developing at around 12 years old and has continued to grow into her adulthood. She is unable to find a suitable bra size to properly fit and support her heavy breasts, and resorts to the largest size sports bra, which barely holds her breasts in place.

“My breasts are getting bigger and bigger. I suffer from continuous pain and discomfort in my back and spine,” said Mahlangu.

She is so self-conscious about her breasts that she does not want to be in public and has stopped going to church.

“I feel uncomfortable being in public because people keep staring,” she said.

Due to her enlarged breasts being a medical condition, Mahlangu began enquiring about breast reduction surgery in 2017.

“I went back and forth to Helene Joseph Hospital, and in 2020 I was transferred to Steve Biko Hospital. I was told to lose weight, which I did.

“When I went back to Steve Biko, I was told they would put me on a waiting list and that it could take up to five months. To date, I have heard nothing,” said Mahlangu.

She said there were no follow-up appointments because it was during the COVID-19 restrictions. Mahlangu’s mother, Esther, would also accompany her to the appointments, but unfortunately, she died in 2021.

“I can’t do any chores around the house. I can’t bend over or carry heavy items. I don’t have a washing machine and must do my laundry by hand while sitting up straight,” said Mahlangu. Her 73-year-old father, Joseph, has to help her with most of the chores around the house.

Mahlangu said she cannot pick up her child, nor could she carry him on her back when he was smaller. She said she is missing out on her child growing up because she cannot play with him or do the things a mother would with her children.

“I am on pain medication, but it does not help,” she said.

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To have the surgery privately would cost around R80 000, which includes a two-night stay in hospital, with additional charges incurred for any extended stay.

“Getting surgery will help me with my self-esteem and relieve the pain. I will also be able to be a better mother for my child and do more around the house. I also hope that I will be able to go out and work someday,” said Mahlangu.

Because of her medical condition, Mahlangu is unable to work and depends on her disability grant. She is appealing to the public for any help with funds towards the surgery, or hopes that a surgeon may be able to assist.

Donations can be made to FNB Easy Account. Account holder: BG Mahlangu. Account number: 62860825284. Branch code: 271044.

For more information, contact relatives Mimi Maphangela on 071 502 8271 or Zandile Masuku on 072 929 1587.