Khulile has spent her life caring for others, and now her loved ones are rallying around her with a heartfelt appeal to help her access the cancer treatment she urgently needs.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 July 2026) – For most South African families, a nanny or domestic helper quickly becomes a member of the family. This was exactly the case for Laura and Pete, who live in the leafy suburb of Parkview.
Khulile Tshuma is the wonderful full-time nanny to their twins, who affectionately know her as Lile.
Her employer, family, and those who know Khulile personally describe her as someone with the biggest heart, always putting others first. That is why news of her health scare came as a heartbreaking shock.
Khulile was recently diagnosed with HER-2-positive breast cancer.
“This has been confirmed by a mammogram and biopsy, as well as a CT scan,” says a family friend, Claire Maher, who has also had Khulile work for her in various ways over the years.
“Although her diagnosis has turned her world upside down, with timely treatment, her doctors believe her cancer is treatable.”
Khulile requires chemotherapy and possible radiation, as well as a mastectomy. Being from Zimbabwe, Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where Khulile is hoping to get treatment, requires a R120,000 deposit for patients who are not South African. Costs are likely to exceed this substantially, based on the type of cancer and the expense of the treatment.
Khulile will need about six rounds of chemotherapy, several injections, blood tests and ultrasounds in between – all at costs that are beyond her means even if she receives care through the public hospital system.
Along with helping to pay for her treatment, her employers would also like to cover her salary while she is away from work, as she is the breadwinner of her family.
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Her loved ones are rallying tirelessly to ensure Khulile gets the best and quickest care possible, drawing on every resource available, from advice and second opinions in both the private and state sectors to financial support.
They are now reaching out to the greater public, asking people to help them help their helper during this very difficult time.
Visit the Help Khulile Kick Cancer crowdfunding campaign to make a donation.
Sources: Claire Maher
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