They entered the world nine weeks early, separated by a medical emergency and held together by love… and now, the twins are finally home, stronger than ever.
Western Cape, South Africa (16 June 2025) – South Africa has fallen in love with a little pair of fighters. The two most adorable twins. And it’s easy to see why.
After a whirlwind start to life filled with emergency flights, complex surgery, and weeks in NICU, twin brothers Sylis and Leo are finally home. Their story isn’t just one of medical marvel, it’s a deeply human reminder of resilience, courage, and the extraordinary love of family.
Born nine weeks early on 21 March in George, the twins arrived tiny but determined. Sylis and Leo each weighed just over 1.6 kilograms. Their mom, Lulani Speed, described the early arrival as a complete surprise.
“My waters broke unexpectedly on the morning of 16 March. A few days later the contractions started and it became clear they were ready to arrive.”
Delivered via emergency C-section, the twins had barely taken their first breaths when the real challenge revealed itself.
Shortly after birth, Sylis was diagnosed with a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) — a serious condition where abdominal organs migrate into the chest cavity, placing dangerous pressure on the lungs and heart. It was life-threatening, and it needed immediate intervention.
He was stabilised and airlifted to Netcare N1 City Hospital in Cape Town, while his brother and mother followed the next day. And so began a harrowing but hopeful journey, led by some of South Africa’s most talented and compassionate medical professionals.
Dr Ricky Dippenaar, the neonatologist who oversaw Sylis’s care, explained the severity of the situation.
“His abdominal organs had moved into the chest cavity, which compressed the lungs and placed immense pressure on his heart. It was critical we stabilised him before even considering surgery.”
That surgery came just three days later, thanks to Dr Shamaman Harilal, a paediatric surgeon whose decision to use minimally invasive keyhole surgery changed everything.
Using incisions smaller than a pencil tip, Dr Harilal and his team gently returned Sylis’s organs to their correct place and stitched up the hole in his diaphragm. No major cuts. No patch needed. Just skill, innovation, and a calm, collected confidence that gave Sylis the best possible chance at life.
“It’s less painful for the baby, reduces the need for pain meds, and avoids complications that could affect the spine or abdomen later in life,” Dr Harilal explained.
And although it was the first time this technique had been used in the Western Cape, the team executed it flawlessly. Sylis was returned to ICU and placed on a ventilator. Within 48 hours, his breathing tube was removed. Gradually, his tiny lungs learned how to breathe on their own. His little body, not even a month old, adapted. Fought. Healed.
His brother Leo, just as tiny, just as early, stayed close by, learning to feed and grow stronger with him. Every day brought a little more hope, a little more strength and a lot more love.
“The success of this case reflects not only the medical advancements available today but the sheer determination and care of an entire team,” said Dr Dippenaar. “Every person — from the anaesthetists to the NICU nurses — played a vital role.”
For Lulani and Jacques, there are no words strong enough to express their gratitude.
“The doctors and NICU staff were absolutely amazing, and we can never thank them enough,” said Lulani.
Now safely home in George, the family is ready to embrace their new life, complete with cuddles from their three dogs and the gentle chaos of twin newborns.
“I just want to hug our dogs,” Lulani shared, smiling. “We’re so happy and excited to begin this new journey as a family, finally together.”
And so, Sylis and Leo’s journey begins, not in fear, not in fragility, but in strength. In triumph. And in love. A little reminder that sometimes, the tiniest people have the biggest impact.
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