Little Oaheng Twala was running out of time. Born with a hidden heart defect, her future was uncertain – until a team of dedicated doctors and the Netcare Foundation stepped in. Now, after life-saving surgery, she’s unstoppable, embracing the world with boundless energy and a heart full of possibility.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 February 2025) – At just over a year old, little Oaheng Twala’s world was filled with curiosity, laughter, and the joy of discovery. But behind her playful spirit was a silent struggle – one that could have taken everything from her. A hole in her heart threatened her future but thanks to the dedication of an incredible medical team and the generosity of the Netcare Foundation, Oaheng is now thriving, embracing life with an unstoppable energy.
Her journey began when she was just six weeks old. Without warning, she started turning blue, struggling to breathe, and had bubbles forming at her mouth. Her terrified parents, Keabetswe and Kamohelo Twala, rushed her to a hospital in Klerksdorp, where doctors treated her for what seemed like a chest infection.
But something wasn’t right. Even after the infection improved, her oxygen levels remained low, and a heart murmur was detected.
“On the day we learnt of our daughter’s heart condition, everything fell apart for us,” recalls her mother, Keabetswe Twala.
For a while, Oaheng’s condition stabilised but doctors soon confirmed she had atrial septal defect—a hole in the septum between the upper two chambers of her heart. Without surgery, her future was uncertain.
Mande Toubkin, general manager of emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment (CSI) at Netcare, knows just how overwhelming the demand is for specialised paediatric heart surgeries.
“When we learnt of Oaheng’s situation, her condition had worsened and required urgent intervention. We resolved to find a way to help her as soon as possible,” says Toubkin.
That’s when a team of extraordinary doctors and specialists stepped in, determined to save her. Dr Mamaila Lebea, a paediatric cardiologist at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, worked with the Netcare Foundation and Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute to arrange the operation. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Erich Schürmann, Dr Martin Myburgh of the Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute, paediatric cardiologist Dr Janine Meares, anaesthetist Dr Edith Klebe, and cardiac perfusionist Mr Thulas Dladla all dedicated their time and expertise pro bono to ensure Oaheng got the life-saving surgery she desperately needed.
“If untreated, a hole in the septum the size Oaheng was suffering from can be debilitating and life-threatening. As the child grows, the heart defect ultimately damages the arteries of the lungs. Fortunately, we were able to successfully close the hole in her heart, and her prognosis is bright,” says Dr Schürmann.
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Dr Lebea adds, “With the support of the doctors and the Netcare Foundation, she has a chance at a healthier future. This operation has transformed the course of Oaheng’s life and offered her the opportunity to thrive.”
And thrive she has! Her parents can hardly believe how quickly she bounced back.
“She has healed so quickly, and she has been so active since the operation. Oaheng knows what she wants, and now she is unstoppable! She is fascinated by the world around her and plays with everything – except her toys,” says Keabetswe with a laugh.
Her father, Kamohelo, expressed his family’s immense gratitude.
“Our hearts are filled with so much gratitude for the incredible support and care that the Netcare Foundation, Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute, and Netcare Sunninghill Hospital team have provided for our daughter.
“In this journey, we have cried many tears of happiness and also a little nervousness. This life-changing procedure has given her a brighter future, and we are deeply appreciative of the hard work, dedication, and kindness shown by everyone during her stay,” he says.
Special thanks were also given to Dr Lebea for her compassionate guidance throughout the process and to the skilled surgeons and medical professionals who ensured Oaheng was in the best hands.
Now, with a heart full of strength and a spirit as lively as ever, Oaheng has developed a love for playing outdoors, a growing appetite for mash and lasagne, and a particular fascination with trying on her mother’s shoes and handbags.
“Oaheng’s name means ‘To Build’, and now we can really see her interests and curiosity coming through more strongly. We are so appreciative that our daughter now has the chance to build her life thanks to this procedure,” says Keabetswe.
This is what happens when compassion, expertise, and generosity come together – a child’s future is saved, and a family’s hope is restored.
For more information about the Maboneng Foundation, which coordinates sponsorship of these life-saving procedures, or to donate and help more children like Oaheng, visit the Maboneng Foundation website.
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