Faith Ndlovu, Health Reporter
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl’s life hangs in the balance — and time is running out.
A Zimbabwean family based in South Africa has made a heartbreaking plea for help, urgently needing R2.5 million to save their daughter, Vanessa Ncube, who is battling Autoimmune Hepatitis — a rare, cruel disease that is destroying her liver.
Vanessa is fighting for her life at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where doctors have warned that only a liver transplant can save her.
“We’re doing everything we can,” said her mother, Vuyelwa Ncube, barely holding back tears. “But the financial burden is unbearable. We are asking for help from anyone who can – be it R10 or R10,000. Every little bit counts.”
Here’s the breakdown of the R2.5 million cost:
• R250,000 – Pre-transplant evaluations and diagnostics
• R1,500,000 – Surgery and hospitalisation
• R500,000 – Post-op care and meds
• R250,000 – Travel, accommodation, and follow-up visits
“This is our daughter’s only shot at life,” Vuyelwa said. “If you’re a doctor, hospital, or organisation that can help, please step forward. We’re not just asking for money — we’re asking for a miracle.”
WANT TO HELP?
A fundraising campaign has been launched via BackaBuddy.
Click here to donate
Whether you give a little or a lot, you could be the hero who saves Vanessa’s life.



