MUTALE – A young disabled girl, Tinyiko Catherine Gwambe (8), of Tshilamba, under the Mutale Municipality, has a dream to walk, but it will only happen if the government and businesspeople will provide her with artificial limbs.

The young girl was born limbless and her mother was advised to consult doctors every week at Tshilidzini hospital since her birth. Last year, the mother was informed that there is nothing that they can do for the girl.

She is at present a Grade 2 learner at Vision Combined Independent School. The family is aware of a boy, who was in the same boat as Tinyiko, Livhuwani Mutsharini, who was fortunate enough to get artificial limbs as a gift from the provincial government. Now the members of her family are hoping for a similar miracle.

Her aunt, Josephine Makhado, trained her to walk and to drive her toys at home. "I even taught her to write and that helped her when she started Grade 1 at Vision Combined Independent School last year. The teachers told us that Tinyiko is an intelligent and creative learner. This is highlighted by her good performance and results at school.

"I would be happy if I can meet MEC in the Office of the Premier, Mrs Catherine Mabuza, as she is the one who helped Livhuwani Mutsharini to get artificial limbs," she said. In the meantime, she can only pray and hope for a miracle …