The Fate of Siphamancla in Swaziland

Siphamancla lives with his family in the village Hluti, Swaziland.  While most of the villagers are self-sufficient farmers, Siphamancla’s father works in a mine in South Africa coming home only occasionally on the weekends and holidays.

Severe impaired vision
Siphamancla’s life is characterised by hardship: He suffers from loss of vision in both eyes, and is almost blind in one eye.  He has also been diagnosed with HIV and Spina Bifida.  Eye doctors in the USA believe that they can improve Siphamanclas eye condition and an operation is planned for next year. The pre-examination by the south African eye doctor Dr. Knight discovered that there was a great probability that the one eye can be saved. Dr. Knight also found out that this boy’s dream was to be a pilot one day!

Visit in the cockpit
In collaboration with the organisation Swaziland Nazarene Health Institution, Mercy Air pilot Joel Baertschi flew Dr. Knight into the remote village and gave the boy the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the Mercy Air helicopter. Siphamancla was very surprised how spacious it is and that his feet don’t even reach the pedals. After his visit to the cockpit he beamed with happiness and was so thankful for this unique experience.  Joel’s calling to use his life and resources to help others like Siphamancla was confirmed again through the touching experience and the realisation of the opportunities he has been blessed with.

Thank you.

Joel.

For the Mercy Air team.