In memory of little Lungelo Sehenye, a Centurion community is rallying to place 300 potentially life-saving oximeters into the hands of families raising babies with Down syndrome.
Centurion, South Africa (13 October 2026) – On 4 October, a brave little soul, Lungelo Sehenye, stopped breathing in his mother’s arms. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, he became the fifth baby in Lyttelton, Centurion, to die this way in recent months.
Children with Down syndrome are at higher risk of breathing problems and chest infections. Sadly, many South African parents do not have access to a simple tool that can warn them when their child is struggling to breathe.
“A paediatric pulse oximeter clips onto a little finger or toe and shows oxygen levels and heart rate. When the numbers drop, it gives parents precious minutes to get their child help,” explains Joy Cronje Founder and CEO of Brave Life, a Down syndrome charity based in Lyttelton.
Now, in little Lungelo’s honour, and during Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, Brave Life is raising funds to collect 300 paediatric pulse oximeters for families of babies with Down syndrome.
“Each one costs R579. Brave Life will send them to disadvantaged parents and personally train every parent to use them,” explains Joy.
In the first week of the campaign, people had already donated 19 oximeters. That means 19 families could receive an early warning when their child needs urgent help, while the memory of those gone too soon is honoured in a heartfelt and practical way.
One oximeter means one more family is watched over. People can support the cause by donating through the For Lungelo campaign or by dropping off an oximeter on weekday mornings at the Centurion Theatre in Lyttelton.
Lungelo’s life was heartbreakingly short, but his memory is already bringing people together to protect other children. With every oximeter donated, another parent gains a simple tool, precious time and the reassurance that they are not facing these frightening moments alone.
Sources: Brave Life
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