A heartbroken mother in South Africa’s North West province is appealing to the public for help after her young daughter lost both legs following serious complications linked to a kidney condition. The life-changing ordeal has left the family struggling emotionally and financially, as they try to adjust to a new reality marked by disability, medical needs, and uncertainty about the future.
The child, seven-year-old Keatlegile Mhlongo, was once an energetic and playful girl who enjoyed school and spending time with other children. Her life took a dramatic turn when she began experiencing health problems related to her kidneys. What initially appeared to be a manageable medical issue quickly worsened, leading to severe complications that affected blood circulation to her lower limbs.
Doctors later explained to the family that a blood clot, linked to her kidney condition, had restricted blood flow to her legs. This caused serious infection and tissue damage. Despite efforts to save her limbs, medical professionals were left with no option but to perform a double amputation to save her life. The operation took place late last year at a public hospital, marking the beginning of a difficult new chapter for the young girl and her family.
Keatlegile’s mother, 30-year-old Pauline Mhlongo, described the experience as devastating. She said watching her child go through such pain has been the hardest thing she has ever faced. Since the surgery, Keatlegile has been confined to a wheelchair and needs help with many everyday tasks. Her mother explained that the emotional impact has been just as heavy as the physical one, especially when her daughter sees other children running and playing.
At school, Keatlegile has struggled to adjust. According to her mother, some classmates no longer play with her, and she often feels isolated. The once cheerful Grade 2 pupil now dreams of attending a special school where she can learn and play alongside other children who face similar challenges and can better understand her situation.
The family’s financial difficulties have made everything even harder. Pauline is unemployed and survives on child support grants for her two children — Keatlegile and her nine-year-old brother. The small amount of money they receive each month is barely enough to cover basic needs such as food, let alone the extra costs that come with disability, including medical care, special equipment, and transport to hospital appointments.
They currently live in a one-room shack, which is not suitable for a child who needs space to move around in a wheelchair or proper conditions for recovery and rehabilitation. Pauline says her biggest worry is that she cannot afford prosthetic legs, which could one day help her daughter regain some independence.
Despite everything she has been through, Keatlegile has shown remarkable strength. Her mother shared that the young girl still talks about her dreams for the future and has even said she wants to become a doctor one day so she can help other people who are sick or suffering.
Pauline is now pleading with anyone who can assist — whether through donations, medical equipment, prosthetics, or basic necessities like food and clothing. She hopes that with enough support, her daughter will not only learn to adapt but will also get the chance to live a fuller, more independent life.