The mother of a three-year-old boy who was born without hands is pleading with kind-hearted people to assist her only son with artificial or electronic limbs.

Since his birth on October 19, 2004, at Siloam hospital, Mashudu Netshithuthuni has not been able to hug his single mother, Dorah Netshithuthuni of Tshithuthuni village, outside Siloam in Nzhelele, because he was born without limbs.

Dorah is a tireless advocate for her son´s rights. In the recent past, she claimed to have visited Siloam hospital and other relevant government departments in the Vhembe district with the view of getting assistance for her son, but all her efforts drew blank as doctors and officials have no medical assistance and explanation for her son´s disability.

Dorah told Mirror that, even though her son can walk around the house and the streets without assistance, life is still hard for Mashudu without artificial limbs. Mashudu is bright and a fast learner, but he has not yet set foot in a crèche or school.

During Mirror´s visit, he rendered a prayer that goes: "Ndi nwana mutuku, dadza mbilu yanga, hu si dzhene muthu, hu dzhene Yesu fhedzi, amen," The prayer is loosely translated as "I am a little boy, fill my heart and never allow anyone to get through except Jesus."

Mashudu can do a lot of things alone. Besides walking a long distance alone, he is currently using his feet as hands. He can eat and carry lights objects with his legs. During an exclusive interview with his mother, Mashudu kept on talking about previous episodes of the SABC 2 drama, Muvhango, and the SABC1 soapie, Generations.

"My son has got the right to education, irrespective of his disability. That´s why I am pleading with artificial limb industries or those with strong nerves and deep pockets to assist my son with artificial limbs, so that he can manipulate objects at home and at school where he can learn how to write. I know that if he can get artificial limbs, he will carry and position light objects and eat on his own," she said.

Mashudu, who is currently not enjoying the things that other children are enjoying, such as riding a bicycle, can also use his legs to throw a stone. His mother usually takes him for physiotherapy at Siloam hospital every Tuesday of every month.

"I am pleading with Mirror readers to assist my son. I want him to be educated like other children. I am unable to get artificial limbs because I am unemployed," she said.

People who want to assist Mashudu can contact his mother at 079 297 0018.