ONLY a few months ago, Philani was facing a life of darkness.
But today he is looking forward to a bright future.
At the age of seven, Philani Thwala started losing his eyesight and for 12 years he faced the horror of spending the rest of his life blind. But late last year, Philani had his first corneal transplant operation and a few months ago he had another.
Thanks to these operations performed by
Dr Akiel Asvat, a Joburg-based eye doctor who agreed to perform the operation for no charge, Philani’s life has changed.
The operation was made possible by Ster-Kinekor’s corporate social investment programme called Vision Mission.
Philani’s mum, Beatrice Thwala (57), a domestic worker from Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni said when her son lost his eyesight she consulted sangomas who told her that Philani’s father must do some rituals. But they had lost contact with his father, who had gone to KZN. She then explained her son’s problem to her employer, Linda Nieuwoudt, who arranged for the young man to get help.
“Now Philani is back at school and my life is so much better. I thank God and everyone who helped us,” she said.
Philani (20) is in grade 9 at Palm Ridge Secondary School. He said first his eyes started watering and became very painful. Then he lost his eyesight. “I loved watching sport and gospel on TV but I couldn’t do that. Now I can see again and my dreams are back on track,” said Philani.
“We ask the public to share with us the first block-buster movie they think Philani should see,” said Bradley Knowles, Ster-Kinekor’s general marketing manager.
