Mbali excels without limbs
Mother of bright girl born without arms seeks assistance to get limbs
A Limpopo mother whose daughter was born without arms has made a plea for assistance to get her artificial limbs.
Mbali Mahlale, 10, a Grade 4 pupil at Myngenoegen English Private School in Dalmada, Polokwane, despite her disability, can eat, write and play using only her feet.
Her mother, Vutlhari, wants her to be able to lead a normal life. Vutlhari said although she helps Mbali, she was concerned she will not be able to do other things for herself.
“For instance, my daughter is growing up and will need to change pads during her menstrual cycle and I may not be there,” said the 32-year-old mother.
Vutlhari said she had approached the Polokwane Hospital to get artificial limbs, but was told they were not available and were expensive.
Sowetan visited the girl at her school last week and found her playing with other pupils.
She skipped rope and also played with a ball made of plastic, which she was able to control.
Mbali said she uses her feet to bathe and dress herself.
She uses her right foot to write and her left foot to eat, dress and bathe.
Her mom said she also washes her own underwear.
“When I write many things I tend to get tired and need to take rests regularly,” she said.
Looking at what she has written, it is difficult to believe a foot was used, as the writing was clear.
Mbali is the only disabled pupil at the school, which has a total enrolment of 480 – from Grade R to 12.
Her class teacher, Sophy Maluleke, described her as a brilliant pupil who obtains the highest marks in every subject. “Mbali is doing very well and her performance is out of this world,” said Maluleke. Mbali’s close friends at school – eight-year-old Theto Moreroa and Naledi Moganedi – said there was nothing she could not do.
“She is involved in every play. Her disability is not an issue to me,” Theto said.
Spokesman for the provincial department of health, Derrick Kganyago, said they only became aware of Mbali’s situation last week. He said the department would find ways to intervene and help her.
“We will discuss ways to make an intervention,” said Kganyago.