Cancer warrior remains optimistic amid lifesaving operation

Philangezwi Siwela has recently undergone a lifesaving surgery to successfully remove a tumour in his leg without removing the whole limb.

Prior to the major operation, a tough decision had to be made – undergo a limb salvage or amputation to save his life.

The 14-year-old, hospitalised at Netcare Alberton Hospital, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2021. The cancer was discovered in tests after he injured his knee while playing football.

Before the operation, he was visited by Su dal Col, who is a martial arts therapist at Kids Kicking Cancer. This organisation seeks to ease the pain of sick children while empowering them to heal physically, spiritually and emotionally.

While empowering Philangezwi through his challenging journey, Dal Col sparked a passion for martial arts, allowing him to feel powerful and brave ahead of his operation.

“These children are our warriors and teach us everyday of bravery, determination and resilience. The martial arts sessions are very soft and it’s about learning to punch, kick and block with lots of ‘heyaa’ in between. This allows them to destroy their anger and fear. It is a great stress relief and mood changer for them,” said Dal Col.

The difficult journey

Sister Precious Mavunda of Netcare Alberton Hospital said: “Philangezwi is an enthusiastic youngster, who is a self-motivated and intelligent warrior. His level of understanding is said to be beyond his age.”

His father Samson Siwela said he had been playing with his mates when he first got injured, resulting in a swollen knee.

“We later did countless tests to see what the problem was because the swelling didn’t go away. He was transferred from Swaziland to Dr Tanya Schickerling. After finding out of his condition, he lost appetite for at least two weeks because I couldn’t come to terms with what I had heard,” he said.

Siwela said he hasn’t been working steadily for at least three months and has had a salary cut because of his unavailability from work.

“With my son hospitalised as well as having my salary slashed, takes a lot out of me. Yet with God, we can survive. I haven’t seen my son for months now since we’re based in Swaziland, and coming to this side costs about R1 500 per trip which I hardly have,” he explained.

Philangezwi, whose name means ‘live by the Word’, described himself as a numbers person, one who deeply loves martial arts and other sporting codes, especially football.

“I love martial arts because it teaches one to be able to defend yourself and you’re even able to protect yourself from bullies. I’m a very brave person and I guess I get this strength from God. As soon as I get home, I want to motivate people to appreciate life,” he said.

He said he aspires to venture into sports.