Thanks to a donation from Avis South Africa, Jumping Kids celebrates this year’s Mandela Day by fitting Samkelo Molopo from Middelburg with his new below-knee prosthetic solution.
The event, hosted by Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics at The Innovation Hub in Pretoria, provides a glimpse of the prosthetic technology and how it is applied, along with certain physical therapy guidelines, to promote pain-free movement going forward.
It has been five months since we first met Samkelo; who lives with his mother, Sonto Hlanzi, in Tokologo, Mhluzi and attends Thusanang Primary School; following an article in Middelburg Observer asking for help.
Born with a congenital condition that lead to amputation, Samkelo was fitted with his first prosthesis when he was six years old. Now aged 12, his device had become outdated and use of the same artificial limb for the last six years resulted in painful pressure points forming on his residual limb.
Revision surgery was necessary before any further rehabilitation decisions could be made.
Public donations following a second article in Middelburg Observer helped the family cover costs to consult an orthopedic surgeon. On May 20th Samkelo underwent revision surgery at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
Satisfied with his recovery, Jumping Kids is proud to announce Samkelo Molopo as the recipient of this year’s Avis South Africa Mandela Day donation that will be used to cover the cost of his new prosthetic equipment.
“It is the start of a new journey for Samkelo and we look forward to following his progress.Thank you to Avis for helping us fast-track things, and the Middelburg community for their role in assisting the family get the help they need, ” says Jumping Kids Director; Michael Stevens.
Apart from fitment of his prosthesis, Samkelo was put through his paces on the day as part of a mobility study; a collaboration between Jumping Kids and researchers from the University of Western Cape to establish better ways to assist more children with mobility and rehabilitation solutions in future.
“We are always looking into partnerships that will help us sustain our vision of providing access to prosthetic equipment to more children living with lower limb amputation. Access to the equipment opens doors to inclusive education, sport and a more integrated community as a whole,” concludes Stevens.
Photo Credit: Martin Potgieter Bonzai Photography
Editorial Contact: Liezel van Rensburg / +27 82 550 9294 / liezel@jumpingkids.org.za
