Two foundations unite to support Burgersfort keloid patient

MANOKE

In a heart-warming display of community solidarity, two non-profit organisations, Breaking New Grounds Foundation and Khayalami Health Foundation, have launched a joint campaign to raise funds and mobilise resources for a Burgersfort man suffering from keloids.

Allegedly, the patient, Petros Malepe from Manoke Village outside Burgersfort, had been struggling to receive adequate treatment despite several visits to government hospitals.

The foundations are currently raising funds to cover Malepe’s treatment expenses, which will include surgery and hospital fees, post-surgery radiotherapy, emotional and psychological support, follow-up care and other related expenses.

Kgoro Motshana of Breaking New Grounds Foundation, said the Limpopo Provincial Government has publicly criticised the fundraising initiative, leading to a heated debate among the public.

“We are committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals, and we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. We will continue to advocate for the patient’s rights and work towards finding a solution,” he said.

Breaking New Grounds Foundation, registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in December 2024, was established by concerned individuals committed to improving deteriorating conditions in underserved communities.

The non-profit company focuses on providing assistance to disadvantaged individuals through various initiatives.

Khayalami Health Foundation, established in 2025, has been advocating for patients denied access to essential medical and surgical care. The foundation’s vision is to “change lives unconditionally” by supporting underprivileged individuals through fundraising for treatment, direct assistance, and healthcare rights awareness.

The foundation positions itself as “a beacon of hope for individuals facing medical neglect and financial hardship,” focusing on the most vulnerable populations to bridge the gap between healthcare needs and access.

Despite the provincial government’s disagreement, both organisations are hopeful that Malepe’s condition will be resolved positively.

Motshana said: “We have initiated direct communication with the Premier’s Office through email regarding the matter, though no response has been received. We believe that both the provincial government and our organisations share aligned interests centered on the patient’s health and dignity,” he said.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges in accessing specialized medical care for patients with complex conditions like keloids, particularly in underserved communities.

It also demonstrates the crucial role that civil society organisations play in advocating for patient rights and healthcare access.

Motshana emphasised: “We will continue to work towards finding a solution that prioritizes the patient’s health and well-being. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact in our community.”

According to statements from both organisations, the situation appears to be moving towards a positive resolution, with the possibility of future collaborative efforts between the non-profits and provincial authorities.

The Limpopo Provincial Government has come out strongly to defend itself. Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has denied allegations that the government is unwilling to assist the patient, saying that the indignation expressed by the patient and his supporters is misleading.

According to Ramathuba, the government has made various efforts to persuade the patient to come to the hospital for treatment.

“We recently directed the MEC for Health, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, to locate the patient and facilitate his admission to one of our top hospitals,” she said.

“Unfortunately, officials have encountered ongoing refusals from the patient to accept the assistance we are offering,” she added.

The premier also warned those who are exploiting the situation, saying: “We want to caution individuals especially those within the profession who knows that what they are doing it’s unethical and against the Hippocratic Oath.”

She added that some individuals are profiting from the patient’s distress by pushing him away from receiving free and available treatment.

Ramathuba reiterated that the provincial government is committed to providing the best care possible to the patient.

“We have the necessary expertise to manage his condition and are committed to providing the best care possible,” said the premier.

Ramathuba informed that the provincial government is also prepared to explore legal avenues to protect the patient and ensure that his plight is not misused for private or unethical gains.

“The Limpopo Provincial Government’s priority remains the health and well-being of Limpopo residents, and it will not tolerate any exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The government urges the public to be cautious of individuals who may be taking advantage of the patient’s situation for their own gain,” she said.