The Vodacom Foundation partners with the Smile Foundation to help burn victims at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital burn care unit
The financial support of the Vodacom Foundation will aid in the costs of the hospital's laser therapy machine, which restores physical and emotional well-being for burn survivors by reducing pain, enhancing the appearance of scars, and stimulating new skin growth.
The Vodacom Foundation partnered with the Smile Foundation to transform burn care at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
The Vodacom Foundation offers financial support in the burn care unit for various resources and procedures required, also covering transport fees for burned patients to make it to and from their appointments.
The Smile Foundation took the Vodacom Foundation on a tour of the burn unit at the hospital on November 12, where about four children receive critical treatment every two weeks.
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Central to this programme is the laser therapy machine for burn scars, generously provided by the Avela Foundation and the Smile Foundation, which has revolutionised the care of young burn survivors.
A mother of a burn survivor, Vemalla Chetty, said she was thankful her daughter would receive laser treatment after being burnt last year.
“Tiana was burnt by water from an urn last year which resulted in her being in a coma at Baragwaneth Hospital, and staying in the hospital for three months. It was a traumatic experience, not only for me but also for her. The only thing left for her is healing the burnt and tight skin,” she said.
The advanced medical device significantly improves the lives of children with severe burns. The laser machine restores physical and emotional well-being by reducing pain, enhancing the appearance of scars, and stimulating new skin growth. For many of these children it represents hope for rehabilitation and an improved quality of life.
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Another mother of a burn victim, Maria Mofokeng, hoped the laser treatment would help restore her daughter’s confidence.
“Onthatile was burnt when her pyjamas caught the side of a pot that was within her reach and burnt her from the chest down. I hope that she will eventually heal and be the confident girl she once was before she was burnt because the burn incident made her anxious and weary of her surroundings.”
The Vodacom Foundation’s support highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing this urgent healthcare issue.
“Burn injuries have a devastating impact on children, and this programme is about more than medical intervention, it’s about restoring hope and dignity,” said the Smile Foundation’s CEO, Tarri Parfitt.
Burn injuries remain a national crisis in South Africa, disproportionately affecting children. Due to socio-economic challenges, such as a lack of electricity and inadequate housing, 60% of all annual burn cases involve children, with the leading cause being hot liquids.
Together with Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the Smile Foundation, the Vodacom Foundation is committed to reducing the burden of burn injuries and ensuring that every child receives the care they deserve.
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