When Axolile discovered her baby boy Musa had bilateral clubfoot, she worried about his future. Would he ever walk, run, or kick a ball like other children? Those questions weighed heavily on her mind when she brought Musa to the Tygerberg Clubfoot Clinic in Cape Town when he was 8 days old.
“I was scared that my baby’s feet would be disabled forever. But from the moment we arrived, I was met with kindness and support from everyone. Jane from Steps explained the Ponseti journey ahead, and I left that first day feeling relief and hope.”
Musa’s had finished with his casts and he was about to start wearing a clubfoot brace which is worn at night to prevent recurrence of the clubfoot. But in April 2024, family circumstances meant that Axolile had to leave the Western Cape and return to rural Eastern Cape. Without access to regular clinic visits or the resources needed to continue treatment, Musa’s feet gradually reverted inward.
“It was heartbreaking to see his feet go back after all the progress we made. But I had no job and no way to return until February 2025.”
In January, Axolile made a plan. She would go back to Tygerberg Clubfoot Clinic to give Musa the chance to walk normally.
“They welcomed me at the clinic with no judgment, just happy I came back for my boy,”
Because of the 10-month gap in treatment, Musa had to restart the Ponseti method. At 16 months old, he is now on his third cast and showing improvement each week.
“It’s not easy, but I’m so relieved to be back. I see the end again.”
Through this journey, Axolile has formed friendships with the clinic team and other mothers.
“We all support each other,”
Her message to families in similar situations is clear: “We must never give up for the sake of our children’s future.”
Economic Barriers to Treatment
For many families like Musa’s, economic challenges can disrupt the entire treatment process. Weekly clinic visits require transport money, and staying in remote rural areas makes regular follow-up appointments even more difficult. The cost of travel and the need to take time off work, if employed, can make it nearly impossible to maintain a consistent schedule for cast changes and brace fittings.
“Finding transport money for casting sessions is a real challenge. But it’s worth it. Musa deserves the chance to walk normally.”
These financial pressures illustrate the importance of affordable, accessible healthcare close to where children live and the need for ongoing support—both practical and emotional—to ensure children receive the treatment they need.
Steps Clubfoot Care’s support programme is dedicated to the expansion of clubfoot treatment through strong clinic partnerships and advocating for families. Musa is once again on the path to full mobility, proving that a mother’s determination and compassionate care from a dedicated clinic team can overcome setbacks.
