BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – At just six years old, Abongile Dlamini has already endured more than most experience in a lifetime.
Abongile is in urgent need of financial support. Her mother, Nokuthula Matsebula, is appealing for donations to help cover medical costs, feeding supplies, and basic needs, as Abongile lives with multiple health complications and requires constant care.
Abongile was born with serious health complications, she lost her sight at nine months, did brain surgery in 2024, and now depends on a feeding tube just to survive.
“I have been in and out of hospitals with her even traveling outside the country”, said Nokuthula. It was at Rob Ferreira Hospital in South Africa where doctors discovered Abongile’s esophageal muscles were too weak to allow normal feeding. A special medical tube, called a Mickey button, had to be inserted into her stomach to ensure she receives nutrition.
The tube is expensive, rare, and nearly impossible to source in Eswatini. Only one anonymous supplier has been able to help them order the tube. Abongile’s condition is complicated by her behavior. She is hyperactive and aggressive which sometimes cause her to tear the tube out in distress. “When she is hurting, she bangs her head, cries, bites me… I always try to stay calm and sing to her. I tell her every day ‘You are beautiful, you are my princess, I love you and everything will be okay, narrated Nokuthula.
For Nokuthula, things are far from okay. She is unemployed, relying on small catering jobs to survive. One recent job turned into financial disaster after the client failed to pay, leaving her in debt for damaged rental equipment. She also faces eviction for overdue rent and owes over E19 000 to Mbabane Clinic for Abongile’s care. “Life is too much for me. It’s draining me. I feel like I’m losing my mind” said Nokuthula.
Nokuthula just wants Abongile to have a chance to live, to smile, to be at peace. Truth is she cannot do it alone. Your donation could mean lifesaving medical care for Abongile and relief for her mother, who has sacrificed everything for her child. Whether it is to help replace her feeding tube, buy diapers, or simply put food on the table, every contribution makes a difference.
Banking Details at First National Bank (FNB):
- Account Number: 63050436336
- Account Holder: Nokuthula Matsebula
- Branch Code: 08883
- Mobile Money (MoMo) +268 7862 4359
