Liminathizulu Kwinana, a three year old girl from KwaNobuhle whose spine was injured in a gruesome car accident which killed her father, was donated a wheelchair by André Greyling and Juan Greeff from Grundlingh Orthopaedic Services.
As a state patient, Liminathizulu would have had to wait for a year or even longer before receiving a wheelchair.
On 23 December 2018, Liminathizulu and her family were travelling from Alice back home when the accident happened. Her mother, Gqityelwa Kwinana, a pharmacist, was pregnant at the time.
“My husband died. Liminathizulu had a C2 vertebra incomplete facture and my 14 year old broke her lower back and has to wear a brace,” said Gqityelwa.
“Both my left arm and leg were broken in two places, I had a broken collarbone and facial injuries. Luckily my unborn child was not injured. I gave birth on the 5th of March and the baby is well and healthy.”
Both Liminathizulu and her mother receive treatment from Salome Pieterse Physiotherapists in Uitenhage to help heal their injuries.
“Liminathizulu had a neck fracture which resulted in an injury of the spine,” said Jana Stander, physiotherapist at the practice.
“This caused paralysis in her legs and slight loss of function in one hand. She has a lot of potential, but it is still uncertain whether her condition will be permanent or not.”
Because of Gqityelwa’s injuries, she cannot carry her daughter and helping her is difficult and painful.
“My mother now has to help both of us. And she is elderly herself. I am grateful for her help with which we cannot live.”
Gqityelwa thanked Juan and André for their kindness. “We are very grateful to them and all the other kind people who assisted us.”
Juan smiled. “We are glad that we could help the little girl. The wheelchair had not been used for quite a time – it’s as if it was meant to be Liminathizulu’s.”
