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Mother’s Day: Sunday 10 May
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE YOUR MOM (OR HER MEMORY)?
If she’s like most mothers, the things that mean the most to her aren’t ‘things’. They’re hopes and dreams and unconditional love. Not only for her own children – but for all kids. Seeing a child – any child – smiling and happy gladdens her heart.
That’s why making a donation to Operation Smile in her name is such a meaningful Mother’s Day gift.
We’ll send her an e-card letting her know of your generous gesture. And she’ll have the joy of knowing that a child born with a cleft will get a brand new smile, thanks to you both.
Making an impact
PATIENT STORIES
Celebrating 20 years in South Africa
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
Thank you for Paddling for Smiles
A massive THANK YOU to everyone who took part in this year’s Freedom Paddle – helping to raise much needed funds for Operation Smile in the process. Your efforts raised just over R55 000 for vital cleft surgery.
Two Oceans Marathon runners get behind Operation Smile
This year, no fewer than 35 Two Oceans Marathon runners chose to add to their achievement by raising funds for Operation Smile. Together, they raised an incredible R125 000 towards much needed cleft surgery.
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.
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.
