Many a 10-year-old boy wishes for a bicycle or a portable radio or perhaps a new soccer ball, but Dakalo Mathoma from Madodonga Village only wants a good night’s rest. This brave young man’s face is deformed by a huge lump which causes him such pain that he cannot sleep at night.

Dakalo says he often gets mocked by fellow learners at Madodonga Primary School. They call him names because of the lump on his face.

According to his mother, Melita Mathoma, they consulted hospitals, doctors, pastors and even a sangoma, but nothing has changed. “My son doesn’t want to go out and play with others any more. I decided to take him to Mirror, thinking that there may be other specialists who can help,” she says.

The lump on Dakalo’s face started in 2002 as a small pimple, but gradually grew bigger and bigger. This type of deformity is not uncommon and can be treated, as is evident from a number of stories carried in the newspaper over the years. Some three years ago, Mirror published an article and photo of Lufuno “Bricks” Mawela of Tshififi in Limpopo, whose face was also deformed by a lump. After the article appeared, Mawela was treated by doctors at the Dr George Mkhari hospital. “I am hoping that a similar miracle will happen to my son,” said Mathoma.

The MEC for the Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development, Merriam Segabutsa, said the boy must visit any public hospital, so that specialists can be arranged for him. Those who want to help can call Dakalo’s mother at 072 3358828 or visit her at Madodonga village on the western side of Louis Trichardt.