Today is my new skin day'

Described as energetic and playful, five-year-old Celiwe Maseko will wake this morning with a new skin.

After sustaining third-degree burns over 35% of her body in January, Celiwe last night underwent a hi-tech skin cloning procedure at the Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.

The procedure, performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Ridwan Mia, marks an important milestone in the history of medical science on the continent.

It is only the second time the operation is performed in Africa - the first being Pippie Kruger - and the first time on a dark-skinned patient.

Celiwe was burnt on her neck, stomach and thighs after a friend, who was playing with matches, accidentally set her dress alight.

Skin grafts could not be harvested.

Celiwe's skin was grown at a laboratory at Genzyme in Boston, Massachusetts. It was cloned from two biopsies over two weeks at the laboratory.

Celiwe's cloned skin was funded through the Pippie se Gesiggie Foundation.

Celiwe woke up yesterday, saying: "Today is my new skin day."

While undergoing the surgery, her parents, Katlego and Brown Maseko, said the entire experience had been "exciting yet nerve- wracking" as there was so much to consider. "It has emotionally and financially affected us," said Katlego.

Unfazed by the medical procedure she was about to undergo, Celiwe kissed and waved to the hospital staff on her way to the operation theatre.

Said her father: "It has been a difficult 106 days for Celiwe and our family. I think Celiwe suffered a great shock and the burn was very painful.''

Dr Mia said Celiwe's skin regrowth process would differ from Pippie's as, because of her darker skin, she had less pigments.

Sandile Mbele, Netcare Garden City hospital manager, said: "Her strength has been an inspiration to the staff, whose heart she has completely won."