EASTERN CAPE - Twenty-two-year-old Benathi Mbuse has spent the past 14 years trapped in a cycle of pain.
An appendix surgery at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital in 2011 left her with a persistent open wound, confining her to bed most days.
Her family blames medical negligence and poor hospital care, saying it has shattered her dreams.
Mbuse's mother, Nomaxhosa Nkayitshana said she has tried different ways to get help for her daughter.
"I've been so patient with the hospital, trying so hard for them to help us. Humbling myself to them, for them treat us this way."
Nkayitshana has slammed the hospital for negligence and poor service.
Last year, the family learned that Mbuse’s medical file had gone missing.
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The young woman was forced to drop out of college, where she had been studying management.
The Eastern Cape health department acknowledged Mbuse's case and said she is still receiving medical care.
However, the department denied any negligence.
Eastern Cape Health spokesperson Siyanda Manana said Mbuse had been receiving effective high care since 26 of February 2026.
"The hospital doesn't experience doctor shortages. There's an effective referral system for specialist cases. The patient is under treatment at the UPH. She's due to come tomorrow for the follow-up visit that will decide further treatment," Manana said.
Nceba Ntlanganiso filed this report.