One year later: Nkayi snake bite victim going strong

A YEAR after receiving a free artificial leg courtesy of orthopedic centre – Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe – a 17- year-old girl from Nkayi, Nomabutho Ncube, is still going strong, attending school and is well acquainted to everyday life without her real lower limb that was amputated after a snake bite.

The timely donation by the Harare based orthopedic centre last year came after Ncube had endured seven years of crawling to school following the amputation of her leg after she was bitten by a snake.

Last year, she received an artificial leg from Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe enabling her to finally enjoy the joy of walking.

The girl had been attacked by a snake while in Grade Four and now she is in Form Three at Tsheli Secondary School in Nkayi.

The leg was amputated at Gweru Provincial Hospital, three months after she was attacked by the snake in 2016.

All along she has been struggling to go to school, resorting to crawling, a situation her mother described as ‘very difficult and almost forced to quit her education’.

The orthopedic centre is again exhibiting at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and an official Miss Maxinne Vimbai Gowera told the Chronicle that they are impressed that the teenager is adjusting to life with artificial leg.

“We make regular checks with the family to see how she is coping, we are happy that is making good progress and getting used to everyday life with the artificial leg. She is a brave girl who wants to pursue a career in the same field that enabled her to get an artificial leg,” said Miss Gowera.

During last year’s exhibition, Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe offered free disability assessments to Bulawayo residents and those residing in areas within the 20km radius.

This year, the orthopedic centre is promoting positive thinking that leads to entrepreneurship in all the people that make use of their products.

“At ZITF 2024 Leonard Cheshire Disability, aims to redefine orthopedic care by fostering innovation and empowering patients. We aim to be the pinnacle of excellence, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate client-centered care. Through accessible services, comprehensive training, and relevant research, we strive to address the needs of all Zimbabweans and international visitors. Our commitment to entrepreneurship drives us to serve our community with integrity and compassion, ensuring that every step we take contributes to the growth of our nation’s health and economy.

“We aspire to develop the leaders of tomorrow—surgeons, researchers, and educators—who will shape the future of orthopedics. By embracing entrepreneurship, we become the catalyst for industrialization and trade, propelling economies forward across continents. Our commitment to innovation, education, and client care positions us as a beacon of hope, where healing meets opportunity,” said Miss Gowera.

Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe also focuses on non-residential outreach services for people of all genders and ages with disabilities.