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female - born December 1993
The twins' father died in prison of Aids in 1997, and the mother followed a few months later. There were 4 older siblings, but the oldest disappeared, so the oldest sister was left looking after 4 younger siblings, and her own baby, when she was only 16 years old.
Relatives did not want to help, and then their home was destroyed by a cyclone, so they were also left homeless.
The twins were admitted to Ethandweni in March 2000, aged 6 years old. Meanwhile, their family home was re-established with the help of disaster funds in the district.
Thandiwe is a very healthy, well-developed child. Thandekile was always sickly, and much shorter than her twin sister. She was very weak, unable to go to school and needed much rest. We were actually not sure if she would survive.
She was tested HIV+ and diagnosed with TB, which was treated. Four years later she is now living a normal life. She has antibiotics for the prevention of Aids-related pneumonia, and has just started anti-retroviral treatment, so we look forward to see her health improve.
Thandiwe is attending grade 5 and is doing very well. Thandekile was behind in psychological development because of her illness, and had severe difficulties in concentrating. She is trying to catch up from the years of school, which she had missed. As her health improves, she will be able to do better at school.
They are both very happy, playful girls with good behaviour.
