South African Mom Supports Families After 30 Years With Son

When Keneilwe Dikoma brought her smiling six-month-old to a routine check-up in 1995, she had no idea her entire life was about to change. The clinic sister noticed Lorato wasn't hitting his milestones and sent them to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed cerebral palsy.

Dikoma was just 16 years old. She'd never heard of cerebral palsy and had to drop out of high school to care for her son full-time.

Thirty years later, Lorato is a beloved fixture in their village of Lotlhakane in South Africa's North West province. He uses a wheelchair and needs help with everything from eating to getting dressed, but everyone who meets him knows his infectious laugh and love of gospel music at full volume.

Lorato has developed his own way of communicating through sounds and eye movements that his community has learned to understand. The church youth group welcomes him on trips, and he rarely misses a Sunday service.

His mom has become an expert in cerebral palsy care through three decades of experience. She now shares what she's learned with other families facing similar diagnoses, offering both practical advice and emotional support.

Cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle control due to brain injury before age two. Globally, it's one of the most common childhood physical disabilities, though many families in rural areas lack resources and information.

The Ripple Effect

Dikoma didn't just adapt to her son's needs. She transformed her experience into advocacy work, campaigning for better disability services in her rural community where resources are scarce.

Her efforts have helped other parents understand that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Researchers say catching cerebral palsy signs at six months, like Lorato's case, gives children the best chance for support and development.

The church community that embraced Lorato has shown how inclusion creates joy for everyone involved. They throw parties for him, include him in youth activities, and have learned to communicate in his unique language.

What started as a scared teenager asking "Why me?" has evolved into a mother who ensures other families don't face the same isolation and fear. Through Dikoma's tireless care and community building, Lorato hasn't just survived but created a life filled with laughter, music, and genuine connection.