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A Grade 11 learner, Siyasanga Matandabuzo (17) from Mfinizweni Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki, has shown bravery by assisting a pregnant woman who was giving birth inside a taxi en route to Lusikisiki town, recently.
Matandabuzo said she was on her way from school when she boarded this taxi going home.
Talking about the incident, she said that while they were on their way with other passengers, they noticed that a woman sitting in front of them was in pain.
“I saw people sitting next to her jumping to other seats, and when the taxi stopped all of us ran out, but in my mind, I knew that I had to do something to help her.
“I went back inside the taxi and I did all the processes that are done when someone is giving birth, until the baby girl came out,” said Matandabuzo.
She said after the baby came out, she then asked the passengers to look for scissors so that she could cut the umbilical cord.
According to her, after receiving the scissors she managed to cut it.
“After that I wrapped her with her mother’s doek; the taxi then dropped us at St Elizabeth Hospital where she was admitted and both were in good condition.”
Talking to Express, she said she learnt this when she was 12 years old at Mantlaleni locality also in Lusikisiki, when she visited her father’s family. According to her, her grandmother saw someone who was asking for help because she was about to give birth on the road.
According to Matandabuzo, her grandmother assisted that woman, and she sent her (Siyansanga) to fetch all the things needed when someone is giving birth, not knowing that she was also learning.
She said she wants to be a nurse so that she can help more people.
Her grandmother, Thozama Matandabuzo (53), said she was very shocked when she was told about what happened.
She confirmed that as the family they will support her until she fulfils her dream of becoming a nurse or a doctor.
Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Sizwe Kupelo, said that they have noted the reports about the young lady.
He said that the department offers health-related training opportunities and, as such, they are soon going to advertise a four-year nursing diploma in midwifery and psychiatry.
“This is offered through our Lilitha Nursing College based in East London, with campuses across the provinces, including Lusikisiki.
“People like Siyasanga are encouraged to seize the opportunity.
“The advert will be placed on our website www.echealth.gov.za including external newspapers. Requirements will also accommodate those currently writing 2023 final matric examinations,” said Kupelo.
He added that they urge expectant mothers to regularly attend ante-natal care sessions in clinics for proper monitoring and advice, to avoid emergency deliveries.
