The life of Dikeledi Khiba, who hails from Mandela Park, Section 3 in Qwaqwa, seems like an almost insurmountable problem due to her daughter’s disability.

Ororiseng Khiba (6) was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was only four months old after spending the first three months of her life living normally, just like other babies.

According to her mother, the first sign of her changes started when her eyes looked squishy. The matter was reported to the clinic as soon as possible, but she was told that babies are only referred to the hospitals after their ninth month. Very soon, she started looking terrible.

She lost her touch and could not stand or walk as her muscles became unable to function. She also lost her ability to talk. Smiling and crying were the only signs of happiness and sadness.

Ororiseng Khiba (6). Photo supplied 

“The whole thing in my head was like a movie because my daughter was normal in the first three months of her life. I felt like I was dreaming when all these changes happened within the blink of an eye,” said Khiba.

The love of kids made her strong and she accepted the situation but she had to keep herself strong. “The situation was beyond my ability, but I had to accept it and let life move on as normal. Meeting and talking to other parents helped me a lot.

“Hence I am confidently urging other parents to expose their disabled kids to the world. They might be disabled but might do better in other aspects of life,” added Khiba.

She further pointed out that the love and support that she gets from her family members are extraordinary. She thanks everyone in the family for the daily support that they give to her.

‘They might be disabled but might do better in other aspects of life’

Furthermore, Khiba is requesting any kind of help from the different stakeholders as her daughter is unable to be admitted to school. The special school in Qwaqwa (Thiboloha) does not accommodate learners who do not walk or use wheelchairs.

She's urging everyone to help her find a school for her daughter since she can't afford to pay for her fees. “I am unemployed. I don't get time to look for a job because I spend all my time looking after her,” she says.

Ororiseng has been discharged from the physiotherapist because no progress is taking place.

The doctors said her disability is permanent.

OFM News/Tumelo Khotha cg