By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:When 14-year-old Bonga Gule* left for school on February 18, 2025, he carried with him the simple hope of returning home to a warm meal and his mother’s embrace. 

But fate had other plans, that afternoon, Bonga was struck by a speeding vehicle on his way home from Fonteyn, leaving him with devastating injuries that would change his life forever. He was rushed to the Mbabane Government Hospital Intensive Care Unit, where doctors confirmed he had suffered spinal trauma that rendered him paraphlegic.

Bonga’s trachea was severely damaged, leaving him unable to speak or eat normally-dependent on a feeding tube and round-the-clock care. For many, this would have marked the end of a childhood.

But for Bonga, it was the beginning of a new chapter-one defined by courage, resilience, and the unwavering support of the Eswatini Motor Vehicle Accident Fund(SMVAF).

“I met him and his mother on the day of the accident. At some point we were in an ambulance transporting him, and he was not moving-just facing one direction. It was one of those rare cases where I had little hope,”recalls Innocentia Matse, the SMVAF Case Management Officer assigned to Bonga’s case. 

But eight months later, on Friday, October 10, Bonga was seen running around the Hope House facility, his radiant smile lighting up the room.Hope House administrative staff couldn’t stop raving about his bubbly personality and miraculous recovery.Though he still cannot speak,medical specialists have confirmed that he will soon undergo tracheal reconstruction-a critical step toward regaining his ability to eat and speak like any other child.

“We are optimistic that Bonga will be able to return to school next year. His family’s cooperation throughout the treatment and rehabilitation journey has been remarkable,and we are proud to walk this road with them.” said Tengetile Shongwe, the SMVAF Case Services Manager.

As part of Customer Service Week, celebrated under the theme “Mission Possible”, the SMVAF Case Management Team-led by Corporate Executive Sam Mzileni-visited Bonga and other claimants to reaffirm the Fund’s commitment to restoring lives shattered by road crashes.These visits are more than symbolic; they are a testament to the Fund’s values of compassion, accountability, and excellence. Furthermore, the team visited a Dlamini homestead in Mbasheni, where another miracle unfolded.

Three-year-old Zama*, who had suffered severe head injuries in a minibus accident, was found playing joyfully in the family yard. His recovery, once uncertain, now paints a picture of hope.

“The accident left him with an exposed skull-it was terrifying to see him lifeless on that hospital bed. We are deeply grateful for the doctors, nurses,band the MVA Fund staff who never stopped checking in and supporting us,”said Make Dlamini, Zama’s Guardian. 

Wrapping up the visits, Mzileni thanked the Case Management Team for their tireless work and reminded all staff that the Fund’s values must be reflected in every interaction with survivors. 

“Our mission is not just to process claims-it is to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and prove that recovery is possible,” he said.

In the face of unimaginable adversity, Bonga and Zama’s stories remind us that Mission Possible is not just a slogan-it’s a promise. A promise that with the right support, road crash survivors can reclaim their futures, one step at a time.