Stories of Hope
A Miracle Named Mangaliso
In the heart of Dam Se Bos, Knysna, lives a courageous 12-year-old boy named Mangaliso, whose name means “miracle.” He lives with both his parents in a small home that, despite its challenges, overflows with love and determination.
Mangaliso developed epilepsy at the age of seven, following two traumatic accidents — a fall from a swing and, later, a car accident. At his lowest point, he was experiencing between four and six seizures every day. Yet through it all, his gentle smile and playful spirit remained undimmed.
His mother, Patricia, has been in a wheelchair since contracting Polio at the age of four. The family’s living conditions are difficult; when it rains, their home floods completely. Although authorities have been alerted and work on the home is ongoing, only temporary measures have been provided so far. Still, Patricia and her husband remain resilient — facing every storm, quite literally, together.
When our Community Social Worker, Abigail September, and Community Development Worker, Cherolize van Aswegen, first visited the family in October 2025, Patricia expressed immense gratitude for their care and concern. They found a mother who, despite immense hardship, radiates love and hope. Since that first visit, contact with the family has been consistent and ongoing — ranging from phone calls and planned visits to regular check-ins — reflecting a commitment to walking alongside them every step of the way.
Our branch worked closely with several partners to ensure the family received the support they needed, and the results are already being felt.
One of the most significant early interventions was fast-tracking Mangaliso’s hospital appointment. Rather than waiting months for a routine review, our team went the extra mile to bring the date forward. In preparation, the family made excellent use of an epilepsy diary, carefully recording each seizure to give the medical team an accurate picture. The impact has been remarkable: Mangaliso, who was once having up to six seizures a day, is now experiencing a maximum of one — and on many days, none at all.
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The partners supporting this family include:
· Municipality: To address the flooding and improve wheelchair access to the home — a process that remains ongoing.
· Department of Health: Mangaliso’s medical review has been successfully expedited, with his medication assessed and adjusted, contributing directly to his dramatically reduced seizure activity.
· Department of Education: Continuing to provide educational and therapeutic support for Mangaliso, who attends a local primary school’s special needs class.
· FAMSA: The family has recently been referred for professional counselling, offering them a dedicated space to process their experiences and strengthen their emotional resilience.
· Social Work Support: Abigail continues to provide support, helping the family develop coping strategies and navigate the various systems working on their behalf.
Despite their many obstacles, this family’s strength is inspiring. Patricia and her husband work as a team — he takes on piece jobs close to home to remain nearby in case Mangaliso has a seizure, while she continues to nurture and care for their son with unwavering faith and gentleness.
They are not seeking handouts, but rather understanding, dignity, and sustainable support. Their story is a reminder of how important it is to work together as a community — to ensure that families affected by debilitating epilepsy and other associated neurological disabilities are not forgotten.
At Epilepsy South Africa – South Cape/Karoo Branch, we are proud to walk alongside this remarkable family. Their story is one of love, perseverance, and hope — a reflection of what is possible when compassion meets action.