By: Pitso Molemane
Baby Khumo Ramoshaba’s mother reached out to Kaya 959 News after doctors at the Kalafong Hospital, in Pretoria encouraged her to switch off the ventilator at just 25 days old. Khumo was born with breathing challenges due to complications during pregnancy.
The family called on Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and South Africans to help save the baby.

“Since birth, baby Khumo has been breathing with ventilator support and the family asked Kaya 959 to mediate between them and the hospital. Khumo’s mother was forced to sign a form that authorised the doctors to switch off the machines,” said family spokesperson Pearl Ramashala.
Kaya 959 News, engaged with the family to help. After hearing the story on-air the hospital management pleaded with the family to avoid speaking to media as the issue could be resolved.
Kaya 959 spoke to Khumo’s mother, Thato, who said she has lost trust in the Kalafong hospital and wanted her son to be transferred to Steve Biko Academic hospital, which is also in Pretoria. The child was then moved to the Steve Biko hospital where he received further medical care. He can now breathe on his own and uses the support machine when needed.
Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town heard about the story. Arrangements were made between the family, Groote Schuur and Steve Biko hospital to fly baby Khumo and his mom to Cape Town to assess his condition.

A ventilator machine was donated to the family by Groote Schuur. Speaking to Kaya 959 from Cape Town the excited mother could not help but thank the Kaya team for all efforts to get Khumo’s story heard. Khumo is now 3-months-old and thriving.
“My baby is alive today because of you, Kaya 959. I have no words to express my gratitude but thank you,” Thato Ramoshaba cried.



