When those around her smiled, little Amukelani, born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, could not do the same. Her mother, who was 18 at the time of her birth, was not emotionally prepared for her child's birth condition.
Amid her family's initial disappointment, the mother felt deep guilt over her teenage pregnancy and worried her child's medical needs would further more financial strain.
Among 18 toddlers chosen to undergo corrective surgery during the launch this week of Smile Week at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Amukelani's smile is to be restored, thanks to the Smile Foundation and Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).
With global statistics pointing to children born every three minutes with a cleft lip or palate, children face life-threatening health problems, painful bullying and isolation if their conditions are left untreated.
Their difficulties include being unable to feed properly, leading to malnutrition and thirst, with the risk of death nine times higher.
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Denne historien er fra November 15, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Charles' crowning cost UK R1.6bn
King Charles III's coronation last year cost British taxpayers £72 million (about R1.6 billion), official accounts released on Thursday revealed.
Walk Of Stars for Mes/dan success
First run in 2014, the Dubai Creek Mile (Listed) has been a key prep for the Al Maktoum Mile, the first major race for dirt milers in the UAE.
Alchahine stands out in Abu Dhabi
The return of smart HM Alchahine headlines the seven-race card at Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
Paisley Park to show he still has a winning touch
One has to go back to December 2022 to find the last time Paisley Park was led into the winner's enclosure.
Cup draw function sets the tone
Murphy adds international flair to meeting.
Star power falls short
Hollywood stars including Eva Longoria and Dominic West this week attended a centuries-old charity wine auction in the French town of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wines, though the sums raised fell short of expectations.
Dinosaur skeleton fetches R116 million
The skeleton of a 22-metre-long dinosaur fetched €6 million (R116 million) last Saturday, AFP learned from auction houses Collin du Bocage and Barbarossa.
Four curated art sales
Strauss & Co will host four curated sales on Monday and Tuesday.
Year-end truck sale
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Unfancied Magesi FC count Richards Bay, Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy among their cup scalps.
