An 83-year-old granny’s eyesight successfully restored

Regardless of her age, an 83-year-old granny Maidi Boshielo from Phokwane village, in Makhuduthamaga municipality can today, like any other ordinary person see with both eyes without any hindrance.

This after a successful cataract operation on her other eye during Waterberg’s Rural Health Matters outreach drive, that took place in Thabizimbi hospital last week, Friday.
Koko Boshielo lost sight of her other eye back in 2022, due among other factors old age and lack of financial resources specialised eye care.

When speaking to Bophelong newsletter, Koko Boshielo conceded that considering her age she had already accepted her fate.

She likens the restoration of other eyesight as miracle and could not contain her joy when interviewed.

“In life comes a time when as a person you will have to be realistic and accept your fate. One such reality to me was to make peace with the fact that at my age I have seen it all and therefore, and therefore, I will never be able to see with both my eyes again not knowing there is a good Samaritan waiting to give me yet another second opportunity.” Koko Boshielo says.

Ms Sarah Phasha, 64-year-old granny from Ga-Chuene is another pensioner who was operated for cataract procedure at during Waterberg’s Rural Health Matters outreach drive.
Like Koko Boshielo, granny Phasha lost sight on one of her eyes after a setback back in 2017. She says although, she could see with one eye it was however, very difficult to cope because she remains a pillar of strength to almost all her grandchildren.

“I want to thank all the doctors who volunteered their time to come assist poor people like us and I wish they could continue with their sterling work to assist other destitute patients like us,” says granny Phasha.

According to Rural Health Matters Waterberg district coordinator Dr. Pheaha Leboho over 396 procedures were completed in a week (between the 22 and 26 July) as part of coordinated activities in commemorating Mandela month

Dr Leboho says amongst the specialists who honoured the invite and positively participated are Professor S Matshidze from university of Free State, Professor SS Golele from Safako Makgatho University and other health professionals from both public and private sector.

“As Waterberg team we are glad that we could manage to complete at least 396 different procedures to our needy and destitute patients who rely on the public healthcare.” Dr Lebogo said.
In addition, Health MEC Ms Dieketseng Mashego applauds team Waterberg for honouring their call to make positive contribution towards the wellbeing of the community. “As a department we are very proud of a team of specialists who continue to selflessly honour their professions and make huge contributions in the lives of our people.” MEC Mashego said.