Welkom, Free State — Zian Botha, a 12-year-old boy from Welkom, has been diagnosed with epilepsy caused by non-functioning brain tissue, leaving him in need of urgent brain surgery in Cape Town. His family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise R150,000 to help cover specialist consultations, advanced testing, hospital costs and the procedure itself.
His medical journey started in May 2025, when he started experiencing unexpected seizures. What initially brought fear and confusion soon developed into months of hospital visits, tests and uncertainty.
Despite treatment efforts, his condition has progressed. Days differ — some days he experiences four seizures, and on more severe days, up to 12 seizures.
After being referred to Dr Butler in Cape Town for advanced assessments, the family finally received answers. Specialists determined that a portion of Zian’s brain is no longer functioning, triggering the seizures.
Epilepsy seizures are primarily classified into two main types: generalized seizures and focal seizures, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Zian presents with symptoms of both types and is resistant to medication, leaving surgery as the only viable option to improve his quality of life and prevent further neurological damage.
Doctors have stressed that the brain surgery is very urgent. With every seizure, he loses bit-by-bit brain function. If the surgery is delayed, more of his brain tissue can be damaged. He already experiences spasm episodes, struggles to breathe during seizures, and has no control of his body function.
A Childhood Interrupted
Since his diagnosis, Zian’s life has changed significantly. Once able to attend school and participate in everyday activities, he now faces restrictions aimed at reducing seizure risk.
He is unable to attend school regularly and cannot participate freely in sports or play. He is not allowed to play outside because the seizures have no timeframe or warning. Simple routines are overshadowed by the constant possibility of another seizure.
What he misses most is “to play like a normal child and to go to school.”
For his parents, the emotional weight has been immense.
“As parents, hearing that your child needs brain surgery is devastating,” the family shared. “Our biggest wish is simply to see Zian live a normal, healthy childhood again.”
Turning to Community Support
Although the family has medical aid, critical elements of the required care — including specialist consultations and surgery in Cape Town — fall outside their medical aid network. As a result, significant costs must be covered privately.
The BackaBuddy campaign, titled Bring Back Zian’s Childhood, was launched one month ago. To date, R37,000 has been raised from 61 donors, reaching 19% of the R200,000 goal.
Funds will go toward:
- Specialist consultations
- Advanced brain scans and diagnostic tests
- Hospital and surgical expenses
- Post-surgery recovery care
They expect to have a more accurate figure around 5 March, following a final consultation with the neurosurgeon ahead of the estimated procedure dates on 9 and 13 March.
Zian’s parents remain focused on one goal: giving their son the chance to grow up without his life being defined by seizures.
“Thank you so much for all the help so far, especially my family and friends,” they shared. “They all keep Zian in their prayers and we pray that God will protect us and the doctors treating him.”
They are hopeful that community support will help ease the financial burden and allow them to focus on his recovery.
To support or share Zian’s BackaBuddy campaign, visit:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/bring-back-zians-childhood
