DESPERATE mum begs for help after her seven-year-old daughter lost both legs due to a severe kidney infection.
Little Keatlegile Mhlongo from Tlholoe in the North West had her legs amputated on 25 November 2024 at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital after complications from a kidney condition.
Her heartbroken mum, Pauline Mhlongo (30), said life has never been the same.
"She was born healthy with legs. In 2023 we discovered she had kidney problems. Doctors later said blood was not flowing properly to her legs and there was a clot," she said.
The family spent more than a month in hospital.
"It was hard and heartbreaking when my child lost her legs. She was friendly and loving, but after the operation she lost her smile," said Pauline.
Keatlegile, a grade 2 pupil at Tlholoe Primary School, now uses a wheelchair. Her mum said other kids no longer play with her.
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"She lost friends. She doesn't play like before. She always asks me when she will go to a special school where she can play with other kids," Pauline said.
The unemployed mum of two, who also has a nine-year-old son, survives on child support grants of R560 per child per month.
"My daughter's still suffering from kidney problems. She eats special food without salt, oil, spices or anything acidic. Sometimes I beg for food from villagers," she said.
Pauline's now pleading for assistance.
"I'm asking for crutches and artificial legs for her. At the moment she only has a wheelchair. We also need food, clothes and a better house. We live in a one-room shack," she said.
Despite her pain, Keatlegile still dreams big.
"After she lost her legs, she said she wants to become a doctor one day," said her mum.
The brave little girl said she wants to help other people when she grows up.
For now, this small family's hoping for a miracle, and a helping hand to give Keatlegile a chance to smile again.
