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In the heart of Zwide, amid the struggles of everyday life, lies a story that speaks to the resilience and compassion within us all. Meet Lichumile Mzizi, a bright-eyed child from a humble background, whose life has been touched by the cruel hand of fate. At just 11-years-old, she faces a battle that no child should ever have to endure, a brain tumour.
Lichumile’s mother, Siphokazi Mzizi, is already burdened by unemployment and financial difficulties, but now faces the daunting challenge of gathering funds for what could be a life-saving operation for her daughter.
In a world where healthcare costs soar beyond the reach of many, they find themselves caught in a desperate race against time. Amid the despair there shines a glimmer of hope. Isaac Booi Primary, Luchumile’s school, has provided unwavering support, coupled with Siphokazi’s resilience and faith in God.
An emotional Siphokazi, who has two other children, aged six and two, recalled the first time she realised something was amiss with Lichumile’s health.
“Everything was fine with my baby girl when she was born. Her father and I were still together at the time. When she was six-years-old we noticed that she was sleeping more often, and had frequent headaches. Her teachers also noticed that she would fall asleep in class, which is something she never did before,” the young mother said.
When the signs persisted, Siphokazi took Lichumile to the doctor, and a brain tumour was discovered in 2019.
“I was terrified, but I knew that my child needed me the most at that point, so I gave the burden to God, and showed up for her the best way I knew how.”
After Lichumile’s first operation, the doctors expected her to only wake up after a few days, but to their surprise she woke up a few hours afterwards, which resulted in healthcare workers labelling her “The Miracle Child”. Siphokazi’s joy was short-lived when a second tumour was discovered in 2020, but after another successful operation, the Mzizi family was relieved.
In 2021, tragedy struck Siphokazi when her mother, Lichumile’s grandmother, died of lung cancer.
“Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of a parent. When my mom died I lost my biggest support, and was faced with raising my children alone,” Siphokazi said.
As if the grief was not enough, in 2022 yet another tumour was discovered in Lichumile’s brain, but this time it was more devastating.
“When I took her to the doctor I learned that she had been taken off her father’s medical aid. I was not made aware of this, it felt like the rug was ripped from under my feet while I was still stumbling from everything else that has happened,” Siphokazi said, weeping.
Effect of the tumour
The tumour in Lichumile’s brain has affected her speech, sight and her balance.
“People in my community don’t make it easy for us, and we are a laughing stock because of poverty. The point that hurts me the most is the way they treat my sick child. They don’t know her story, yet they are quick with insults.
Siphokazi said,
There are nights when Siphokazi and her three young children go to bed without food.
“I pour water into cups, pray to God that it fills us up, and give that to my children. As long as they still go to school, and look clean and presentable, I know a miracle is on the way for us,” she said.
The rallying cry for little Lichumile’s cause echoes through her school’s corridors, as the principal, Ludwe Memese, and teachers, come together to lend a helping hand where they can.
Memese said,
“What I’d hope to see is someone, anyone, come forward to help my child,” said Siphokazi.
For more info about Lichumile’s situation, contact the school principal, Ludwe Memese, at 083 315 5530.
