Gloria Mmutle, a devoted mother, community activist and cleft lip and palate advocate, has turned her personal journey into a beacon of hope for others.
Inspired by her daughter Gontse, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate a facial abnormality that affects growth, development and weight gain-Mmutle is now helping other parents navigate similar challenges.
Gontse underwent successful corrective surgery and today, at 18 years old, she is thriving as a model chasing her dreams. “Gontse is living her life, going after her goals. For her, not even the sky is the limit,” said Mmutle proudly.
Mmutle shared: “I want other mothers to experience the same joy I feel. Parents must stop hiding children with disabilities due to societal stigma. These children deserve to live normal, happy lives-the surgery works.”
Mmutle shared with Orange Farm News how she supports parents from the moment their children are diagnosed. She said: “We meet with parents as early as possible after birth. We provide emotional support throughout the surgeries and connect them with nearby healthcare professionals. I also run an online support group and regularly check in with parents and their children. We’re trying to close the gap and show families they are not alone.”
She expressed concern over families who still hide their children due to fear of judgement. “It’s heartbreaking. Every child deserves the right to go to school, play and dream big,” she said.
Last month, Mmutle joined forces with Thabo Motaung from Inkanyezi HIV/AIDS Organisation, Khulisiwe Phakathi from Crown Fixers Foundation, Madibuseng Nhlapo from Generation G and others at a Cleft Lip and Palate surgery event held at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “We met many parents in pain, some abandoned by family and friends because of their child’s condition. That’s why we are here-to support and uplift them. Parents in need of support or surgery assistance are welcome to contact me on 071 280 6297 I’m here to help,” she added.
“A heartfelt thank you to all the stakeholders dedicated to changing lives – your support means so much. Keep up the incredible work,” Mmutle concluded.
Images: Gloria Mmutle
