The Story of Sizwe
35 years old is quite a milestone in The Valley of 1000 Hills. Here, due primarily to HIV/AIDs, the average life expectancy for a man is 43 years (the equivalent of 70 years old for a man in the United States).
When Sizwe, 35, was admitted to Siyaphila Hospice, he was already considered an “old man” in his township.
Sizwe had been working as a handyman and doing odd jobs when he started to become ill. Like many in South Africa, he ignored the sickness because he simply couldn’t afford to stop working to go see the doctor.
Eventually, by May 2011, things got so bad that he had to be admitted to Siyaphila Hospice. His body was being ravaged by infections and he was gravely ill, too weak even to move.
Siyaphila, LSA’s hospice partner in Kwazulu-Natal, is a place of great hope for people like Sizwe. Its cutting edge model of care has given many in the region a second chance at a new life.
For this reason, many people come to Siyaphila. Unfortunately, many don’t have the money to be admitted. This is especially difficult for the families of people like Sizwe, since he is the primary breadwinner.
Though Sizwe’s family didn’t have the money for treatment, he was able to be admitted using funds provided by LSA. Soon, he began to regain mobility. The latest update from Siyaphila is that Sizwe is recovering very quickly and is filled with renewed hope. We rejoice in hearing that he was also led to Christ by the staff and Siyaphila pastors.
We thank you all for walking alongside LSA and the partners as we care for the body and spirit of those affected by HIV in Kwazulu Natal.
Sizwe and his counselor
