Education and Social Development Departments Assist 18-Year-Old After Surgery

The Departments of Education and Social Development in the Eastern Cape have stepped in to assist an 18-year-old learner from Motherwell who has been unable to attend school due to ongoing health complications following an appendicitis surgery at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha.

After her initial surgery in November last year, she has been in and out of the hospital, preventing her from completing her matric this year. Due to her deteriorating health, she has been advised to stay at home and focus on recovery.

In an effort to keep her connected to her studies, Education MEC Fundile Gade has provided her with electronic learning devices.

"Tactically, because she was supposed to be in Grade 12 but registration has already closed according to national standards, we have persuaded her and her family to prioritize her health until September. In the meantime, we are taking a hybrid approach, providing her with learning material so she can study for both Grade 11 and 12," Gade explained.

Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has also stepped in, offering financial support in the form of a 12-month disability social grant to ease the family's financial strain.

"The main concern is the child's health, but as Social Development, we have done our part. Since she is temporarily disabled, SASSA has approved a disability grant, and we are committed to covering her medical expenses," Fanta said.

Meanwhile, the provincial Health Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her surgery.

However, human rights activist Petros Majola has criticized the Health Department for their absence, stating that they should take responsibility for the complications.

"I am concerned that there is no one from the Health Department here. We are cleaning up their mess, and they need to take accountability. I appreciate that the Education MEC responded positively to the learner's request, but the Health Department must also step up," Majola said.

Despite the challenges, the learner expressed gratitude for the support she has received.

"I'm so happy that the MEC for Education, Gade, heard my cry. My heart is at peace, and I don't mind completing Grade 12 next year. I feel motivated and a bit better," she said.

The departments have also committed to covering her hospital bills and providing counseling to assist her recovery.