No fewer than 35 life-changing cleft surgeries were completed in Mbombela over the weekend – thanks to the efforts of volunteers from across South Africa and generous donor support.
What began as a weekend marathon to complete 25 surgeries ended in 35 smiles. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our team of 40 medical volunteers, 10 additional children and adults received life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries during our Mbombela surgical programme.
The programme took place from 25 to 27 July at Rob Ferreira Hospital, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Health. It marks Operation Smile’s 15th local surgical programme, made possible through the support of Woolworths, under its MyDifference programme, Glencore, Aramex, Cipla, Bob Bolus, Glen John and Jana Hoffman and many other generous donors from Mbombela who contributed to the success of the weekend.
Impact on families
For families like that of 33-year-old Promise Thembelihle Mathebula, the programme’s impact is deeply personal. As a child, Promise received cleft surgery from Operation Smile. During last year’s surgical programme in Mbombela, her 11-month-old son Mpelo, who was also born with a cleft lip and palate, underwent a successful lip repair. This year, both mother and son received palate surgery during the programme. Their story reflects the generational legacy of accessible, compassionate healthcare provided by Operation Smile.
“Thanks to our wonderful supporters and donors, Operation Smile was able to return to Mbombela and provide life-changing care to families like Promise’s – creating lasting impact where it’s needed most,” said Sarah Scarth, Executive Director at Operation Smile South Africa.
Sarah added that the ability to expand the number of surgeries performed during the programme was testament to the dedication and compassion of the volunteer team and Rob Ferreira hospital staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that no patient approved for surgery was turned away.
“We are enormously proud to partner with the Mpumalanga Department of Health to bring hope and healing to more children and families living with unrepaired cleft conditions,” she said. “Without this intervention, children with clefts in this province may have to wait years for the chance to receive life-changing surgery.”
Since becoming a beneficiary of Woolworths’ previous MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme in 2011, Operation Smile has provided reconstructive surgery and comprehensive care for approximately 500 people across South Africa.
Woolworths MyDifference
“The Woolworths MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme has long empowered customers to support non-profit organisations (NPOs) like Operation Smile, along with schools and environmental causes, simply by swiping their card at till points – with Woolworths making the donation on their behalf. We’re proud that this much-loved initiative now continues under the GIVE component of our new MyDifference programme, combining the power of giving with even greater personal rewards, value, and convenience,” confirmed Mbuso Mlambo, Head of Loyalty and Direct Marketing at Woolworths.
Since its founding in South Africa in 2006, Operation Smile has built a network of over 150 active volunteers, including cleft surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, paediatricians, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists, and biomedical staff. These professionals have travelled across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa to deliver thousands of surgeries. A core focus of Operation Smile South Africa is skills transfer, ensuring healthcare workers receive mentoring and training during and beyond surgical programmes.
Sustainability is long-term goal
“Our long-term goal is to build sustainability, so that this specialised cleft care can happen in the public health system whether we are there or not,” said Sarah.
In addition to surgeries, the Rob Ferreira Hospital Oral Health team, supported by Operation Smile, also provided vital free dental care for 90 children during the programme , including fillings, cleanings, extractions, restorations, sealants, and baby root canals – helping to prevent absenteeism and improve health outcomes for local children.
“Dental care is a vital part of the overall treatment plan for people with cleft conditions,” added Sarah. “Most people born with a cleft – and certainly all those born with a cleft palate – need dental treatment, because the whole jaw is affected. The more support we can provide, the more we can improve quality of life.”
Grateful thanks to all who helped make this surgical programme possible:
Mphumalanga Department of Health
Woolworths South Africa
Cipla Foundation
Wrights Dental
Spar Lowveld
The Square Nelspruit
Ilanga Mall
Active Aligners SA
Clicks SA
Europcar
Cappuccino’s Ilanga Mall
Airlink
Abbvie
Southern Sun Hotels
Aramex South Africa
Glencore South Africa
Ndalo Hotel
Avis
Nature Fresh