​By Thobeka Makhubela
 
Caring and supporting her 7-year-old son, Nhlakanipho Hlatshwayo, who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth has been a journey of resilience and hope for Celetse Hlatshwayo. Seeing him take his first steps using crutches marked a milestone, strengthening her belief that he may one day walk independently.
By age three, Nhlakanipho was still dependent entirely on his mother and grandmother for mobility. His visits to the Ekurhuleni Health District Rehab Occupational Therapist in 2021 led to a referral to physiotherapy sessions and the recommendation of a buggy wheelchair to assist with his mobility needs. 
The physiotherapist then began working with him to build his walking skills. Although he was initially fearful, he made significant progress with his mother's support, taking his first steps with a pediatric walking frame by August 2023.
Five months later in January 2024, with improved balance and strength, he advanced to using two elbow crutches. Today, Nhlakanipho is able to walk short distances with crutches and uses a buggy wheelchair for longer trips.
Hlatshwayo expressed her gratitude to the rehabilitation team, saying, "I never thought my son would be able to walk using assistive devices." She highlighted the impact of physiotherapy, adding, "My son enjoys walking with crutches and loves showing us his progress, which makes me so happy."
Nhlakanipho continues to receive care from the Bertha Gxowa Rehabilitation Centre, where the dedication of the Ekurhuleni Health District Therapeutic Services staff has been instrumental to his progress. His mother is deeply grateful for the support that has helped her son achieve important milestones.
Hlatshwayo shared how the assistive devices have greatly simplified both her and her son's life, saying, "We were given two assistive devices, the buggy and the crutches. The buggy enables us to travel together as a family, which is a big improvement. We used to leave him at home because carrying him on our backs was too difficult due to his weight. The buggy is now his main transport, and he loves going out to see people on the street instead of being stuck in the house. He uses the crutches around the yard now," she explained.
The support, along with Nhlakanipho's progress on crutches, has given both mother and son a renewed sense of freedom and joy.
Today, Hlatshwayo looks back on her son's journey with pride and gratitude for the compassionate care that has guided them every step of the way. "When they first explained his condition to me, I thought my son would be bedridden. I'm thankful I followed their advice and remained consistent in attending support groups with other mothers," she shared.
If you would like to access therapeutic services visit your nearest clinic where you will be seen by a clinician and if there's a need for you to be referred to be seen by an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist, they will give you a referral letter.