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Celebrating 20 years in South Africa
Travel back in time with us …
The year was 2006. The place, Empangeni in northern KwaZulu Natal.
Nearly a hundred people arrived at our very first surgical programme with hope in their hearts. After health screening, 59 received free cleft surgery that would transform their lives forever.
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Making an impact
PATIENT STORIES
This Christmas, my son has the greatest gift of all – a new smile
FUNDRAISING FOR OPERATION SMILE
Turning tragedy into smiles
VOLUNTEERING
Join our caring and dedicated team – offering hope and reassurance
Every 3 minutes …
… a child is born somewhere in the world with a cleft condition. This affects their health and futures. We are committed to providing comprehensive cleft care, transforming their lives and strengthening the health systems in their communities.
LEARN ABOUT CLEFT CONDITIONS, & TREATMENT
Help change another child’s life
Depending on the severity, cleft conditions can be repaired in just 45 minutes. Your donation makes it possible.
NEWS & EVENTS
Latest Updates
20 years. Over 6000 smiles. Countless lives changed.
On Saturday 21 March 2026, Operation Smile South Africa celebrated its 20th anniversary at the spectacular Cipla offices in Century City. It was an evening defined by the stories that have shaped our journey and the people who make our mission possible.
Cipla Africa CEO, Paul Miller, chats to Sarah Scarth about our work
Host Paul Miller (CEO, Cipla Africa) chats to Operation Smile’s Sarah Scarth about the extraordinary global impact of an organisation that has transformed millions of lives around the world, one smile at a time.
‘We Build Hope’ – global campaign launches
Every Operation Smile patient bears a badge of hope – a scar that shows they received the surgical care they needed, found hope, and began a new chapter in life.
Grateful thanks to our partners
Our global family
Founded in 1982 by Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care.
With more than 6,000 active medical volunteers from all around the world, Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit organisations.
Our volunteers, partners and supporters are people from all walks of life, who share our belief that that high-quality health care is a universal human right, not a privilege.
With more than 6,000 active medical volunteers from all around the world, Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit organisations.
Our supporters are people from all walks of life, who believe that anyone born with a cleft condition deserves safe, effective, and timely surgery and care.
