'Prayer pulled me through'

2003-08-04 22:06

Annelie Muller

Uitenhage - "I knew people were praying for me. I could feel it, and it pulled me through," says Kolie Olivier.

Kolie contracted meningitis during a rugby tour two weeks ago and has been fighting for his life in the Cuyler Clinic in Uitenhage.

He is still not out of danger, but says: "I can't wait to get out of here and celebrate life."

Brandwag High School in Uitenhage held a thanksgiving service after the 18-year-old matric pupil fought a fierce life and death battle against cerebral meningitis, and survived.

"We've been begging and pleading since Tuesday, but now we thank the Lord," said the school's principal Deon Goosen.

But Dr Tjaart Groenewald believes Kolie is not entirely out of danger yet.

"His organs, especially his heart and nervous system, are still badly afflicted. Permanent damage has been done" said Groenewald.

The doctor refused to offer a prognosis on how Olivier's sporting career would be affected.

Star sportsman

Olivier was a star rugby player and was awarded provincial colours for athletics.

"Right now we're just trying to keep him alive," said Groenewald.

Olivier was gaining a little strength every day, he said. Although the meningitis was under control, complications were being treated.

The outbreak, which caused consternation among Uitenhage residents, has been brought under control thanks to prompt action and proper organisation.

Olivier may have contracted the disease when his school played rugby against Jim Fouche at the end of July. He travelled to Bloemfontein with about 450 pupils and 200 adults to attend the annual interschools tournament.

Here he apparently came into contact with ex-Brandwag pupils studying at Potchefstroom University, where the highly contagious form of meningitis has already claimed three lives.

Meanwhile, another Uitenhage woman, Geraldine Mallinson, is being treated for a milder form of meningitis, said Groenewald.

Mallinson is the mother of a Brandwag pupil. She did not contract the same strain of meningitis as Olivier and was recovering well, Groenewald added.

Groenewald said a number of people have visited him complaining of headaches and other symptoms, but no new cases have been confirmed.

"People are just being careful. All cases are being thoroughly investigated," he said.

- Die Burger