Tributes pour in after asthmatic Mdantsane teen loses battle
Mdantsane teenager Unakho Kewana, who had depended on an oxygen machine to breathe, has died at age 18.
The Dispatch met Unakho a few weeks ago, when SA was hit by record levels of load-shedding that left the teen literally fearing for her life because the oxygen machine she depended on was powered by electricity.
Unakho died peacefully at Cecilia Makiwane hospital on Wednesday. She was admitted with breathing complications.
She was diagnosed with lung damage in 2019.
The severity of her asthma condition caused her to drop out of grade 8 in 2019.
As a child she depended on medication which her mother, Nontobeko, had paid for when she was employed.
Once Nontobeko stopped working, Unakho developed serious chest problems because the family could no longer afford the medication.
In September 2018, her breathing worsened and she could not manage without the oxygen machine. She missed school for long periods.
Every time her area was “shed” from the national grid’s load, she suffered a panic attack, fearing every breath could be her last. And every time the lights went off, she and her disabled mother has to use their state grants to hire transport to hospital so Unakho could receive oxygen. This had ravaged the already strained finances of the family of seven.
Unakho’s aunt, Ntombizanele Kewana, said the family was devastated by their loss. They had tried everything to keep Unakho alive and comfortable.
Kewana said: “She was a very sweet and loving person who loved to be around people.
“And though she was living a
difficult life, she always remained optimistic.”
Petros Majola, of Khula Community Development, said Eskom had to come up with a solution to end load-shedding.
“Unakho was very loved by her family and community,” Majola said. “Her mother, Nontobeko, has been disabled since 2016, after she suffered a stroke, and has since lost her speech.”
Condolences flooded social media, many highlighting Unakho’s fighting spirit.
Radio personality Lali Tokwe posted on Facebook that Unakho’s mother messaged her
about the teen’s death.
Tokwe said: “This is an 18year-old girl who was daily fighting for her life as she has been breathing through an oxygen machine.
“She became part of the radio shows Beka Ithemba Lakho kuye and Khanyisa Kukhanye Mhlobo by Blaq Maci, since we had listeners who were supporting her in her journey.
“Unakho fought until the end. I pray God may heal Unakho’s family, her friends and everyone affected by her passing.”
Unakho will be laid to rest on November 19 in NU13.