After 18 years of pain, Jackson finally gets his life-changing hip surgery

For most of us, taking a step is something we don’t even think about. For Jackson Mabunda, every single one has been a test of courage.

Eighteen years ago, Jackson was run over by a taxi. The accident left him with a severe hip injury and a joint that was completely displaced. For years he walked on what little cartilage he had left. Now, that cartilage is gone – and every step he takes is bone grinding on bone.

Despite the relentless pain, Jackson has never been one to complain. Day after day, he has shown up at the stables where he works, quietly caring for the horses and the people around him. Colleagues describe him as dedicated, humble and endlessly kind – the sort of person who always puts others first, even while struggling with a level of discomfort that most of us can hardly imagine.

His friend and nominator, Andre Lombard, shared Jackson’s story with Hot Cares and spoke of a man whose “quiet strength and endless perseverance” inspire everyone who meets him.

For nearly two decades, Jackson has kept going, pushing through pain that has only grown worse over time. The work he does is physically demanding – it means long hours on his feet, constant movement, lifting and caring for animals that depend on him. Without help, there was a real fear that he would one day no longer be able to do the job he loves.

Over the years, Jackson has tried everything he could. He has been on a waiting list for hip replacement surgery and had promises of assistance, but nothing materialised. Time, however, is not on his side. Without intervention, his mobility will continue to deteriorate and he could face permanent damage, loss of independence and a life defined by pain.

That’s where Hot Cares – and our generous listeners – come in.

This Christmas, Hot Cares is stepping in to give Jackson the life-changing medical help he has waited on for far too long. We will be covering the full cost of his hip replacement surgery, up to R117 000, giving him the chance to walk, work and live without the constant agony that has followed him for 18 years.

This is about more than a medical procedure. It’s about dignity, freedom and hope. As Andre wrote in his motivation, “This surgery would not just fix a hip — it would restore hope, independence, and joy to a man who has given so much of himself to others.” By helping Jackson finally receive this surgery, we’re honouring years of sacrifice, resilience and loyalty – and making sure that his future is not defined by an accident that happened nearly two decades ago.

When Bunny from the HOT 1027 Breakfast visited the stables to “interview” Jackson about his injury and raise awareness, he believed it was just a chance to tell his story. Instead, surrounded by the horses and people he loves, he discovered that Hot Cares and our listeners are giving him the greatest gift he could have imagined – the chance to walk into the next chapter of his life without pain.

Watch how things unfolded below:

Thanks to your support, Jackson’s story is no longer just one of struggle and waiting. It’s a story of a community coming together to say: you have given so much, now it’s your turn to be carried for a while.