Helping Phemelo face the world again, with pride and purpose

At just 21 years old, Phemelo Mothoagae is already showing the determination and grit of a future leader. A third-year LLB student at the University of Johannesburg, she dreams of one day practising family law — a path rooted in service, empathy, and strength.

But Phemelo’s journey has not been easy. Diagnosed with diabetes in mid-2024, she then faced a devastating and unexplained loss of vision in her right eye just months later. The condition has left her with a visibly shrunken, irritated eye, affecting not only her physical health but her confidence, mental well-being, and ability to fully engage in her studies and daily life.

With no parents to lean on — her mom passed away in 2013 and her dad in 2020 — Phemelo and her two younger siblings are being raised by their grandmother, who survives on a SASSA pension. Despite these challenges, Phemelo has remained committed to her studies and tutors part-time to help support her family.

When she reached out to Hot Cares with a humble request for help funding a prosthetic eye shell — not just for cosmetic reasons, but to preserve her facial structure and self-esteem — we knew we had to act.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of Silverstar, we’re proud to share that the full R30,000 cost of the prosthesis will be covered. This gift will allow Phemelo to step into her future with the confidence she deserves — and continue her journey toward becoming a voice for others in need.