IT WAS all smiles yesterday when twins Bongiwe and Bongekile Mthembu from Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, were admitted to Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital for an operation to remove extra toes from their feet.

IT WAS all smiles yesterday when twins Bongiwe and Bongekile Mthembu from Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, were admitted to Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital for an operation to remove extra toes from their feet.

The Grade 8 pupils were born with a medical condition known as polydactyl - each of them has six fingers and seven toes. The sisters have allegedly been the laughing stock of their fellow pupils and community as they had never won shoes until Sowetan published their plight.

Once their story was published, a number of good Samaritans volunteered to help.

One of them was KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Zweli Mkhize who committed his government to helping them with operations. Two months ago, the twins had their fingers operated on and were able to show-off their "normal" hands for the first time.

And yesterday, the twins were admitted at the hospital where they are expected have their extra toes cut. Bongiwe, who was crying the first time they were admitted to hospital, was all smiles as she anticipated the operation.

"I am excited. Not because we would finally have the operation, but because we would have a chance to lead a normal life . to wear shoes for the first time in our lives.

"I can't wait for the day when we will go to school wearing shoes. I would like to thank Sowetan and Premier Mkhize," she said shyly.

Bongekile shared her sister's sentiments.

"We are happy and grateful," she said.

The sister in charge of the twins, Margaret Phoswa, said they will be operated on tomorrow.