5th Sep 2010 7:21:34 AM The Charities | The Children | Dorah Mokoena | Health | Schools / Training | Community | Regional Reports | UMashesha Home Amanda Simanga New Amukelani Dube New Andani Mphaphuli New Anele Nyongwana New Babalwa Debele New Bafana Nzima New Balombo Bambula New Basheeba Worlotoe New Boipelo Mosegedi New Bongani Madlala New Bongani Phakati New Bonginkosi New Brendan New Chris M New Deon Slabbert New Dikeledi Mboko New Doreen New Ernest Tshabalala New Evelyn Minto Essono's New Feleng New Franklin New Fursy Mogobe New Gabriel New Gloria New Gontise Mogotsi New Habiba New Helen Matondo New Irene Peta New Jabulani Malungane New Jacques Abrahams New Janine Barends New Jaun Henning New Jeffers Zitha New Jose New Jose Mvula New Kagiso Maphoso New Kagiso Mathebula New Kagiso Mphuti New Karabo Thebedi New Kedibone New Kenyan New Kjetil Sandivk Havnen New Koketso Sekuru New Lee Branco New Liane Grond New Lida Basson New Linda Nana Tshbalala New Londeka Ngidi New Maje New Marco Bronkhorst New Mbali New Mfundo Ntamehlo New Michelle Mthenjwa New Mimi New Mittah New Mlungisi New Mohau Qumpula New Mpho Maja New Musa Zwane New Musiwa New Neliswe Radebe New Nelson Tsabalala New Nkululeko New Nouna boy New Nsizwa Vilakazi New Nyakallo New Oscar Mlondolozi Hadebe New Phindile New Piet Moloja New Reagan New Rolivhuwa Matodzi New Rose Wambua New Rumbi New Saloma Aphanye New Sameh Chiboub New Samkelo Sole New Samukelo Radebe New Seif New Seizo New Selamawit New Shirley Seqobane New Sicelo New Simamkele New Sithembiso Hlatshwayo New Siyabonga Morwasetla New Siyabonga Nokumbi New Siyamthanda New Sizwe New Steven Marakeng Mpyana New Sunday Mukaza New Tapera Jani New Tavonga New Thapelo New Thomas New Thulani Nhleko New Tshepiso Sekuru New Vhahangwele Matodz New Vivian New Vusi Mathibela New Xavier New Yassine Ben Ali New Zanele Jeza New Zenette and Precious Van Wyke New Zianda Ndlovu New Zipho Zwane New Samukelo Radebe We first met Samukelo in 1999, after he had suffered electrical burns. Samukelo played, throwing a wire kite near a pylon. The power cables were allegedly hanging lower than they should have been. Even if that were not the case, it is common in southern Africa for boys to be burned in this way, especially where they use the the wire from a burned car tyre to throw or in part of a kite's construction. Typically the electricity goes through the hand and arm and exits (earths) via the feet, often arcing through the head as well. There are many arguments as to the type of cable that should be used and the problems are exacerbated by the high rate of cable theft by adults, many of whom die as a result of their actions. In February/March 2000, Samukelo, then aged 10, had tissue expanders put in his head courtesy of reconstructive surgeon Martin Kelly and Netcare's Sunninghill Hospital, on the edge of Greater Johannesburg. The skin was advanced over the hole in his head in stages. And the armpit contracture was also released. Once that all healed, he was able to cope with shoulder straps for prosthetic hands. However he found the hands heavy and cumbersome and generally manages better with his stumps. He lost both hands due to electrocution and burns. When he is 18 years old, if funds are available, it would be appropriate to fit him with electromechanical hands. Samukelo's father Peter decided to bring a case against electricity parastatal Eskom, alleging that it was the company's negligence in educating the public about electricity, that led to children being burned in this way. The case was set for November 2001, then postponed ot 8th November 2002. It was in court for some eleven days and then postponed yet again until June 18th, 2003. The case continues and is attended in the High Court in Pritchard Street, Johannesburg, on most days by one of the UMashesha volunteers. Legal firm Roos and Wessels (adv. Pete Voges) is handling the case for Samukelo on a contingency basis. If he wins, they will get a percentage of the claim. If he loses, the family will not be liable for any costs. Samukelo is now 13 years old and attending Ezibeleni School for Disabled Children. His father says that he is coping well and that he is happy. He would like to be an astronaut when he grows up. Children of Fire mainly assists the family in an advisory capacity, as Samukelo has a supportive family and his father has a supportive employer. Samkelo (March 2007) lost his hands after playing with wire next to an electricity pylon. He is keen to point out the dangers of electricity to other people. Samkelo adopts a different stance to start running a race as he has no hands to place on the ground. Samukelo went to talk to the doctors about his facial keloids on April 30th This material is Copyright © The Dorah Mokoena Charitable Trust and/or Children of Fire , 1998-2010. 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