A grade 12 learner at Mahumani High School in Nkomo village outside Giyani, Forster Hector Cuma (17), is now bedridden.

His life turned into misery when an abnormal lump developed in his upper right hand last July. He said that when it started, he had thought it was an injury to the tendon of his arm. As the tumor is growing on a daily basis, Cuma said that he is spending sleepless nights as a result of the unbearable pain. He further added that his efforts to get treatment at both the Nkhensani and Letaba hospitals on several occasions have brought no hope.

Presently, Cuma is no longer going to school because the tumor is painful, heavy and it is still growing. His unemployed mother, Mrs Girly Cuma, said that she could not afford taking her son to specialists as they are surviving through her husband’s grant. “We have taken him to traditional healers and prophets, but without any success. I am now losing hope that my son will one day go back to the school,” she said.

In addition, the worrying mother thanked two local teachers who are always visiting her family to give Hector some support. “I am appealing to Mirror readers to assist my son, so that he can get back to school,” she said. Those who want to help can contact Girly Cuma at 083 862 7124.