Steps aim for R1 million to treat children with clubfoot

Steps Clubfoot Care is a non-profit organisation that strives to enhance the lives of children born with clubfoot. Their goal is to raise R1 million to assist the treatment of 400 children born with clubfoot and thereby avoid disability.

During Disability Awareness Month, which runs from November 3 to December 3, South African celebrities have taken up the challenge to #StepItUp for children born with clubfoot.

Musa Motha, whose left leg was amputated due to cancer when he was 10 years old, was a finalist on Britain's Got Talent. He co-choreographed a TikTok dance routine to the sound of an Amapiano track I Am Possible by legendary local producers Dino Moran, Bee Deejay, and DJ Schuster.

“I have accepted the #StepItUp challenge, because I believe that every child should have an opportunity to say ‘I am possible’ to themselves and the world – regardless of whether they are disabled or not. This campaign is an opportunity for everybody to make a difference in the life of a child born with clubfoot,” says Musa.

Paralympic Games record holder Mpumelelo Mhlongo is also running with the cause, to amplify their message: South Africa, it’s time to #StepItUp.

“All children born with clubfoot deserve an opportunity to walk, run, and dance. The TikTok challenge is a celebration of everything that is possible with access to the right resources – and this can only be achieved if everyone gets involved. Whether you’re a dancer or not, I challenge you to step it up for children born with clubfoot,” says Mpumelelo.

“Every year, an estimated 11 000 children are born with clubfoot in southern Africa. With access to the right resources and medical care, this potentially disabling condition is entirely treatable.

“Our ambitious goal is to ensure that no child is left untreated, by helping families who would otherwise not have access to treatment. What better way to raise awareness for this cause, than through the universal power of dance?” says Karen Moss, who founded Steps in 2005, after the successful clubfoot treatment of her son.

Ms Moss says the song I Am Possible is available for download at stepitup.steps.org.za for just R10.

“The #StepItUp campaign is about sharing a universal message of hope and inclusion. We want to make a difference in the lives of as many children as possible. A major part of this is raising awareness, which is critical to addressing stigma and getting more children into treatment. This is why we are appealing to the broader public for support,” she said.

To date, STEPS has helped over 18 000 children across southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia) – with more than 4 000 currently in treatment at 38 specialist partner clinics.

For more information, visit www.steps.org.za