Together we can make a ‘hip’ difference

Yet riddled in so much pain and suffering, Bra Solly Maseko ensures that your story gets reported on and you get to read it every Thursday in the WITBANK NEWS in the comfort of your home.

Solly is no stranger to the community of eMalahleni at large, he is a well-known journalist/photographer who has been at the WITBANK NEWS since August 2000.

He started out as a freelance photographer – with his passion and talent he was noticed and then employed at the newspaper.

Solly was born in eMalahleni (Lynnville) in 1960, he grew up there until he went to his first primary school.

He went to Khayalethu Primary School for two years and then his family moved to Swaziland where he then attended another two primary schools.

From there on he went to St Mary’s Secondary School and then to Evelyn Baring High School where he matriculated.

When he was 23 years old he was a temporary teacher at St Mary’s Secondary School, when he fell ill.

The doctors said he had problems with his kidneys and for years he was in and out of hospital with his kidneys.

After a while Solly moved back to eMalahleni, where he fell sick once again.

He was taken to Witbank General Hospital where he was told he has problems with his kidneys.

From Witbank Hospital he was transferred to Kalafong Hospital where he received treatment.

“I was better for a few years after receiving this treatment,” said Solly.

But that was short lived and Solly got sick once again.

From Kalafong Hospital he was transferred to George Mukhari Hospital where he started kidney dialysis for three years.

“I was fortunate enough to get a kidney transplant in July 1991,” continued Solly.

After the transplant Solly had to continue with treatment for a period of time.

That’s when doctors discovered that the medication (Prednisolone) given to Solly was causing disintegration of cartilage in his hip bones.

“Unfortunately it was discovered too late,” he said.

Every year the discomfort increases and Solly is no longer as mobile as he would like to be.

“I used to love playing sports, walking and exercising and this is hindering me from doing what I love,” said Solly with a smile.

On cold days or days when he is busy or even walking long distances, he is in tremendous pain.

In 2006 Solly received the news that he needed a hip replacement and since then it’s a big waiting game.

Solly’s last monthly doctor check up at Steve Biko he was told that he is 630th on the waiting list for a hip replacement.

“The doctor there told me there is a very slim chance of me ever receiving a transplant,” Solly said.

Solly’s only wish is to have the hip replacement done so that he can once again live life to the fullest.

At night while sleeping, Solly said; “he is sometimes in extreme pain, but does not take pain medication.”

Solly is a very passionate journalist and photographer and really loves what he does.

“I love my job, love people and I pray a lot,” said Solly.

Solly remains positive that God will answer his prayers and that he will get his hip replacement.