During our recent Surgical and Dental Programme in Mthatha, Operation Smile South Africa – in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Department of Health South Africa – reached more than 1,000 people through free cleft surgeries, dental care, and oral health education.
Thanks to the comprehensive cleft care he received from Operation Smile, little Nzulu was finally able to enjoy his first ever slice of birthday cake when he turned three years old in November 2025.
We are so touched by this beautiful poem, ‘My Smile’, written by Pralene Mahabir, poet and author of children’s books.
From 24-26 October, our team of volunteer medical professionals performed 32 successful cleft surgeries at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha.
It’s now a year since 36-year-old Zivezile Nojamanga received his life-changing surgery from Operation Smile – and the difference is quite remarkable.