Page 33 - Waterfall City Issue 9 September 2024

She describes the experience as
heartwarming. “Pono was speechless.
When we came home, he could not
stop talking about our visit – in fact,
he still talks about it.”

Dr Omolemo Kitchin, a renowned
paediatric pulmonologist with 25 years
of experience, and Dr Michael Thubisi,
a distinguished gynaecologist and
obstetrician with 32 years in private
practice, were pivotal in Pono’s birth
and in welcoming him back to his
birthplace recently. Both specialists
have been with Netcare Waterfall City
Hospital since its inception and have
earned the admiration of their patients
for their dedication and compassion.

According to the hospital’s general
manager Jaco du Preez, the doctors
gave Pono-Entle a tour, pointing out Jaco du Preez, general manager of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, presents Pono-Entle with a hamper in the
presence of Dr Kitchin and Dr Thubisi.
the advancements made over the
years. “Dr Kitchin, with his expertise in community where Pono-Entle has
paediatric pulmonology and allergies, many friends and a busy social life,
shared insights into his daily routine, Desiree says Pono enjoys drumming,
while Dr Thubisi, who finds his greatest a talent he has honed since the age of
gratification in delivering healthy two and now shares with his church
babies to joyful parents, walked Pono- community. Meanwhile, Desiree is
Entle through the maternity ward actively looking for a new career
and nursery at the hospital. He even opportunity, hoping to find a role
showed Desiree her file, which was the that will support their aspirations and
first one he ever opened. provide stability for the family.

“Pono-Entle’s homecoming to his This visit was particularly poignant for
birthplace was not just a personal Desiree and Pono, as it coincided with
milestone but also a celebration of the Pono-Entle entering his teenage years.
hospital’s journey and its impact on What began as a search for a picture
countless families. The staff at Netcare of his birth story for Pono’s birthday,
Waterfall City Hospital, both old and turned into something much more
new, expressed their admiration for significant, and she and Pono will
Pono-Entle, affectionately dubbing never forget the day.
him ‘Mr Netcare Waterfall’. There
is a deep connection between the “We took many pictures, and it felt like
hospital and the community we serve a family reunion. The staff welcomed
that makes our work so much more us with open arms and love, making
fulfilling,” says du Preez. Pono feel like a star. This event was
more than just a celebration – it was
As Pono-Entle prepares to transition a touching reminder of the love and
from Chloorkop Primary School to care I felt on the day Pono was born.
high school in a few months, the visit
to Netcare Waterfall City Hospital “It was a moment of pride and joy,
serves as a reminder of where he seeing Pono recognised and celebrated
came from. Reflecting on their life by the very place that marked his Thirteen years later – Pono-Entle Maluleke in his
in Klipfontein View, a tight-knit beginning,” concludes Desiree. school uniform

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