We believe no child should walk the path to recovery alone. Our uniquely South African support model is built on family-centred care. We place STEPS clinic coordinators in the busiest of our 48 partner clinics to provide constant care and continuity of support. They attend every weekly clinic, assisting partners with data collection and providing the detailed education families need.
In 2025, 57% of our patients were supported directly by STEPS clinic coordinators across 10 main centre clinics. One of these vital team members is Phumzile Zondi in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Phumzile meets families at their first appointment and stays with them through their four-year journey of casting, brace fitting, and first steps.
We are delighted to share a story of resilience from Phumzile: the journey of Luthando Ngcobo.
Luthando’s treatment began at Grey’s Clubfoot Clinic when he was just six weeks old. While his path to healing started early, it was far from easy. Over the years, his journey included several gaps and, sadly, Luthando experienced three recurrences, requiring him to restart the Ponseti treatment several times.
Many families face challenges to access continuous care such as transport difficulties and financial pressures, or other life circumstances. But Luthando’s story did not end there.
Despite these challenges, Luthando’s family, supported by Phumzile and the dedicated medical team, never gave up. They remained committed to giving him the chance to walk, run, and live without disability, as he returned to the clinic time and again.
Through the determination and the consistent support of the Grey’s Hospital team, Luthando has proudly graduated from his Ponseti treatment at the age of 11.
The joy of a successful treatment graduation is a milestone we celebrate together. When a child like Luthando receives their Steps graduation certificate, the family, their child, and the clinic team all share in the pride and excitement. Luthando’s confident smile and straight flexible feet are a powerful reminder that with the right support, it is never too late to change a child’s future.
