HANKEY – Oluthando “Olu” Nkosinkulu (7), a learner at Hankey Primary School, is embracing new opportunities after receiving a prosthetic leg thanks to the generosity of a doctor and a Good Samaritan.
As previously reported, when Oluthando’s mother, Natasha, was seven months pregnant, doctors discovered that his foot was connected underneath his knee and warned that the baby might not survive.
When he was born, doctors confirmed he had no other disabilities except for his short leg.
On 4 August 2018, a day before his first birthday, part of his foot was amputated and the leg lengthened to accommodate a future prosthesis.
Natasha said the journey to securing the prosthetic leg began in 2025 after he outgrew his previous one.
She decided to take matters into her own hands and made an appointment with his doctor, Dr Ruan Lundt.
To her surprise, she said that Lundt offered to pay for the most expensive part of the prosthetic leg and suggested she pay the outstanding balance.
“The previous prosthetic was very difficult for Olu to move around in. He constantly fell and was very scared of wearing it because he was very young and we could not afford the proper support and prosthetic that would fit him,” said Natasha.
After receiving a quotation from Lundt, events unfolded quickly when a video of Oluthando scoring a try during a rugby match while running with only one leg went viral in August 2025.
After the video went viral, Natasha said a Good Samaritan, named Hennie van Zyl, contacted her.
He requested the medical quotation details and, within 10 minutes, sent proof of payment for Oluthando’s prosthetic leg.
“I was shocked when Oom Hennie sent proof of payment. I will never forget that day. I was in tears, and I could not believe it,” said Natasha.
Natasha said the moment that Oluthando first tried on his new leg was emotional for the entire family.
“As a family, we were very excited for Olu, and when I saw how the leg fitted and the way Olu walked so comfortably in it, it was like a dream come true. All I ever wanted for him was to feel a little normal and to have a leg that makes him feel comfortable,” said Natasha.
Oluthando first received a training cast in August and was fitted with his official prosthetic leg in December 2025.
According to Natasha, the new prosthetic was specially designed for his needs.
As Oluthando is a devoted Springbok rugby fan, the prosthetic leg was not only functional but also featured a beautiful Springbok-themed design.
“This leg was specifically designed for the type of stump that Olu has, and the doctor also made perfectly sure that it would work for Olu. He loves his prosthetic leg, he wears it to school and enjoys outings with his leg,” said Natasha.
Although the prosthetic allows him to walk comfortably, she said that Oluthando cannot yet play rugby with it since he is not able to run in it, and it could potentially hurt another child during a rugby game.
Natasha said that her son was excited when he received the leg and remains hopeful about the future.
“He was so happy and excited for the way forward. Olu is a very wise child and often asks when he will get a blade to start running. I just continue to assure him that everything will happen in God’s time,” said Natasha.
She said that he also hopes to one day meet Van Zyl and thank him in person for his generous donation.
While running and sport remain difficult, the prosthetic has made a meaningful difference in his daily life.
Natasha said that he can do chores in and around the house and assist his father, Thanduxolo, in the garden.
She said that he also enjoys being able to take a stroll in the mall.
“The fact that Olu now has a leg and I don’t have to stress that he’s getting older and still operates on crutches is a big relief for us, even though we know that Olu will always need medical support,” said Natasha.
To assist with Oluthando’s lifelong medical expenses, she said that they will continue with plans to establish a trust fund.
Further elaborating on the trust fund, she said that over the next five years, they plan to raise approximately R500,000 to cover all his prosthetic needs and medical support.
While Olu continues to adapt to his new leg, Natasha said the family remains hopeful about the support they may still receive through their ongoing BackaBuddy campaign.
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