Support for a whole family: Inkanyezi’s story

Inkanyezi, now 4 years old, has made remarkable progress through early intervention and consistent support. Born prematurely at six months with medical complications—a hole in her intestine and a brain clot—her early life was marked by uncertainty. “The birth was very traumatic,” recalls her mom, “I was so scared… but then also some relief to know, ‘I have a child, she is alive!’”

Despite these early challenges, Inkanyezi is a joyful child. Her expressive personality shines through in her love for singing and counting, especially at her ECD centre where she has grown socially and gained confidence.

Access to Siyakwazi’s therapy and resources has been a turning point. While the local clinic provided some support: “With Dani [Siyakwazi therapist] there is a great relationship—Inkanyezi loves Dani!—and there is a lot of time spent explaining things and discussing what her next steps are.” Siyakwazi also helped the family access CDG, which eased financial pressures.

One of Inkanyezi’s biggest milestones has been learning to stand, supported by a standing frame, and later to walk. “It took a long time. It was easy to think that there was no progress… but we kept pushing, knowing that it would be small progress!”

Her mom encourages independence, and Inkanyezi can now feed herself and partially dress on her own despite weakness on her left side. Currently, her therapy programme focuses on strengthening bilateral coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. “My dream is that she loves herself for who she is and not think she is different from other children.”

In 2024 Inkanyezi’s uncle, Sanele, participated in Siyakwazi’s sewing hub training. Later he would continue onto the advanced training which enabled him to produce resources for Siyakwazi’s programmes. “I am currently sewing bags for next year’s baby programme. Getting an opportunity to do sewing at Siyakwazi has helped me a lot. I completed matric in 2022 and didn’t do anything afterwards; I stayed at home. The money I earn from sewing helps with household items, and I buy Inkanyezi things she wants. I also use that money to take Inkanyezi to the doctor if she is sick.

“My relationship with Inkanyezi is good – we call each other ‘shein’ [friend] – but she has a favourite uncle who is older than me, whom she spends more time with since I am often away. Inkanyezi is bossy. Before joining Siyakwazi, I was not familiar with disability. Working here has opened my eyes. Living with Inkanyezi has taught us many things since she has often been sick. I am no longer scared of disability. I want to learn to make t-shirts and everything else that is being done in Siyakwazi sewing. I love sewing owls; it has lots of pieces mixed together.”

The testimonies of both Inkanyezi’s mom and uncle as well as the positive progress she has made in her learning and development are testament to Siyakwazi’s holistic model of support. The Tshabalala family continues to participate in Siyakwazi’s programmes and Inkanyezi is on a positive trajectory of enrolling in Grade R in 2027.

*Child’s name has been changed for privacy and safeguarding.