GONDENI - The offering of artificial legs and hands for limbless Livhuwani Mutsharini (6) of Gondeni La Ha-Themeli has brought new hope to him and his mother.

Livhuwani and his mother Thifhelimbilu, together with his 11- year-old brother relied on his R620 monthly grant for survival, since his father left them immediately after his birth. The MEC in the Premier's Office, Ms Catherine Mabuza, who learnt about Livhuwani from the media, publicly announced that he would be helped. This was after she visited the family and was touched by their living conditions.

Technikon Pretoria offered artificial limbs for both hands and legs for Livhuwani. The artificial limbs and operation will cost more than R400 000.

The process will start with the fitting of the artificial hands and will be performed by members of staff of Technikon Pretoria at Polokwane Hospital. It will take more than two months to complete.

Mabuza's spokesperson, Lucky Nchabeleng also revealed that Joe Block Construction and Mining Company has offered to take care of Livhuwani's studies from now until tertiary level. Livhuwani is in Grade R at Mikosi Primary.

The company is also providing Livhuwani and his family with monthly groceries of R200.

They have also donated R15 000 to Livhuwani Mutsharini's Trust Fund. Livhuwani will have a job guaranteed at the company, provided he would be interested.

Nchabeleng said they have already received more than R100 000 in Livhuwani's account. The Premier, Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi and Xerox have also pledged to donate some money.

Livhuwani's mother Thifhelimbilu said she was overwhelmed by the offers, as she was concerned about Livhuwani's life in fifteen year's time. She says she is happy that her son will be able to stand and write with special limbs.

Details for Livhuwani's Trust account are as follows: Livhuwani Mutsharini Trust Fund, ABSA bank, Polokwane, Account 4055 755 161.

Livhuwani was born on October 2, 1996 at the Baragwana Hospital.

He started schooling this year after his mother approached the school principal Edith Mikosi. He says he is coping well at school as other children accept and respect him.

Livhuwani can move fast with his limbless body. He can also write and play soccer. He says his favorite sport is soccer. His role model is Jomo Sono. "I like Jomo and I have seen him on television," says Livhuwani who wants to be a teacher when he grows up. His mother believes he can achieve better than being a teacher. Livhuwani is very close to his mother. His ambition is to get employed and buy a car for his mother. "He also told me he will buy me underwear when he is working," explained the mother with Livhuwani laughing shyly.