Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu – [email protected]
A 24-year-old woman from Gwanda Matabeleland South province is appealing for help with accommodation, diapers and upkeep after spending a month in hospital following a road accident that left her physically challenged.
The woman, who was living with relatives before the accident, said they have since said they cannot take care of her as her new condition demands a lot from them.
Ms Annah Faith Mhazo was set to begin her accounting studies at Joshua Mqabuko College this January before the accident in December last year which left her bed ridden for months.
Although she managed to access healthcare and recovered, no one from her family has come to pick her up from Mpilo Central Hospital after she was discharged a month ago.
Ms Mhazo said both her parents had died and she only has a biological brother who lives off artisanal mining. The brother has no fixed abode and cannot take her as she now uses a wheelchair.
The accident, which occurred while she was travelling from Bulawayo to Gwanda, left Ms Mhazo with a broken spine and a broken rib.
She told the Chronicle that she has nowhere to go and has been stranded at the hospital despite being discharged.
“I was staying in Gwanda with my aunt (my mother’s young sister) with her family and was working in a boutique in Gwanda town. That time I was saving some money for my school fees as I was about to start pursuing my Accounting career this year at Joshua Mqabuko in Gwanda,” she said.
“Unfortunately I had an accident coming from Bulawayo going to Gwanda at Umguza Bridge on December 12, 2022 and I had a spinal cord injury and one of my left rib broke. I was admitted at UBH. The doctor said the only option was for me to go for a spinal cord operation.”
She said her surgery required more than US$1 200 which the family raised with the help of the driver who was driving the car when she had an accident.
“Some time later I was told the operation could only be done at Mater Dei at a cost of $8 000 and it was a miracle that we managed to get it done with the help of a well-wisher that I met at UBH while admitted.
Ms Mhazo said after a successful operation she was transferred to Mpilo hospital in February this year.
“I can say it’s been hard for me and my brother. The operation healed well but I had now developed thrombosis on my left leg and bed sores and it was too much for me. But my family, the driver and Adriana were there for us to assist in buying medication. I got better and better every day till I was able to sit on a wheelchair. I thank God for my life every day,” she said.
“Then now I was discharged about one month ago. I told my family and they said they are no longer able to help me. I was so disappointed but I chose to remain positive. I now need a place to stay, adult diapers, wipes and a source of income so that I can lead a normal life like before. I am not even sure if I will manage to leave the hospital which is now like a home since my brother has no accommodation. I appeal to those who may help me to come through and deliver me from this misery.”
Ms Mhazo said she can be reached on +263 712 801 511.
Online Reporter