Before his problem was diagnosed, doctors could not tell what he was suffering from. Some said it was pneumonia; and he tried various treatments unsuccessfully. By the time his problem was properly diagnosed,
his condition had worsened. He vomited blood, his face was swollen and he could hardly work. “It was after I stayed for five days without eating that the doctors realised what the problem was.” He had renal failure - sudden loss of kidney function. In Kgosi’s case, the kidneys stopped growing at an early age. As time went his stunted kidneys could no longer keep up with his growth. The condition makes it difficult for the excretory system to operate. After being diagnosed, he was told that the government could not help him rectify the problem. This dampened the spirits of the aspiring actor. “I like the limelight and with death in front of me, I knew there was no way of achieving my dream.” His family was also devastated when it became evident that the government cannot help him because the transplant is expensive.
They were told that a lot of people have kidney problems and it is expensive to assist them. Though the family was overwhelmed by the news, it put together the finances at its disposal to help their son. They went to see a South African kidney transplant specialist. Medical aid footed the bills and Kgosi was admitted for two months in South Africa. The doctors had thought that the condition might be healed without a transplant. An operation was carried out and something went wrong. When they approached medical aid for a transplant, they were told that they had used all their funds.This has made it difficult for members of the family to travel to Johannesburg for medication. His aunt says this is a trying time for the family. “I think it is worsened by the fact that his mother is abroad, but she cannot afford to quit her job as she has to raise money for her son.” Kgosi said they are left with only two boxes of dialysis fluid, which force them to take another trip to South Africa for check up and medication.
“There was a time that Obakeng was not well after a trip to South Africa. We had to rush him to the nearest doctor. When we arrived we were told to bring P1,000 upfront, and P600 for the injection. We are always broke.” The suffocating medical bills are not the only problem that the Kgosi family face. Their son requires a special diet. “We supervise him and ensures that he does not take food that would worsen the condition,” said the aunt. Renal failure occurs when waste products such as nitrogen and excess fluids are not removed from the kidneys. The build up upsets the body’s normal chemical balance. Chemicals such as sodium and potassium, which are needed for normal body function, become poisonous when they reach high levels. This causes swelling in hands, face and feet. The urinary output decreases and the patient often has short breath. The neck veins enlarge and one becomes nauseous, vomits and often loses appetite.
