Ten-year-old Alondwe Ngwenya’s love for soccer was overshadowed by painful tumours… until kindness stepped in.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (16 August 2025) – For most ten-year-olds, life is filled with soccer matches, scraped knees, and endless dreams about the future. For young Alondwe Ngwenya from Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, those dreams were clouded by painful tumours that distorted one side of his face and his foot.
His greatest joy, playing and cheering for Kaizer Chiefs, was put on hold. But thanks to the kindness of strangers, NGOs, and a team of extraordinary doctors, Alondwe is finally stepping into a new chapter of life filled with hope.
Earlier this year, Good Things Guy began reporting on Alondwe’s journey after The Angel Network Durban first stepped in to try to change his fate. “Reach For A Dream” soon joined their efforts for a Dream, and now, in a powerful display of collaboration, the Netcare Foundation has made what once felt impossible, possible.
His mother, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, expressed her relief and joy after the surgery in June, “It has been a long time that we have been seeking help for Alondwe. We are very happy, and can see he is getting better already.”
She added that her son’s passion for soccer is matched only by his big dreams.
“Alondwe is very passionate about soccer, especially cheering for his favourite team, Kaizer Chiefs. He also dreams of becoming a lawyer one day when he grows up, to fight for justice and protect the innocent.”
The breakthrough came when the Netcare Foundation offered support after scans and assessments had been done in the public sector. Professor Anil Madaree, Head of Craniofacial Surgery at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, explained Alondwe’s condition, neurofibromatosis, a disorder that causes benign tumours to grow on nerve cells.
“His condition caused him pain, kept him isolated, and stopped him from living the active life a child his age should enjoy,” Prof Madaree said.
With support from Netcare, he and a dedicated team performed the procedure pro bono at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, alleviating much of the discomfort and giving Alondwe a chance to enjoy his childhood again.
Related Stories
How Do We Keep Matric Dances Special Without Making Them So Expensive?
School Choir Sings Spellbinding Signo di Volare to Raise Funds for 'Olympics!'
ENT surgeon Dr Mahommed Thandar added that the tumours were not only disfiguring but were affecting both Alondwe’s hearing and walking.
“The tumour on his head was both a cosmetic and hearing issue, while the tumour on his foot was affecting his walking and was therefore a functional issue.”
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Zama Khumalo, who worked alongside Prof Madaree, explained: “The mass was putting serious strain on all the surrounding tissue, stretching the skin on Alondwe’s face, and we removed as much as possible in the debulking surgery.”
Behind the scenes, it took immense teamwork, specialised skills, and a state-of-the-art surgical theatre to make the procedure possible. When Netcare CEO Dr Richard Friedland learned of Alondwe’s case, he set the wheels in motion for the Netcare Foundation to step in.
Mande Toubkin, Netcare’s general manager of emergency, trauma, transplant and CSI, summed it up beautifully, “Working together, public and private healthcare can make a huge impact on a child’s daily quality of life and ability to participate to his fullest potential in school, in sports and in the activities that contribute to their development at this crucial age.”
After time in the ICU at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital and further observation at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Alondwe was able to return home. His mother could finally exhale with relief.
“We are just so happy and grateful to the doctors, Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, and the Netcare Foundation for this opportunity to help Alondwe.”
Prof Madaree notes that future check-ups will determine whether minor adjustments may be needed, but for now, Alondwe is on the road to healing. His bravery, combined with the generosity of so many, has given him a renewed chance at living the life every child deserves. Dr Thandar added that while some hearing loss remains in one ear, solutions such as a bone conduction implant could one day help if necessary. What matters now is that Alondwe can finally walk, play, and dream more freely than before.
And for a youngster who loves soccer, supports Kaizer Chiefs and dreams of becoming a lawyer to fight for justice, that is life-changing.
by 
