Volunteer doctors to perform up to 40 free cleft lip and palate surgeries in Gauteng as Operation Smile celebrates 20 years in Africa.
Operation Smile South Africa will return to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital on 29 May 2026 for a weekend of free cleft lip and palate surgeries aimed at reducing the backlog of patients waiting for treatment.
Supported by Life Healthcare, a team of 50 volunteer medical professionals from across South Africa will provide surgery for up to 40 children and adults, while also mentoring surgical trainees and sharing specialist skills.
The programme forms part of Operation Smile South Africa’s 20-year celebration of providing life-changing surgery and care across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Volunteer doctors
The volunteer team includes cleft surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and medical technicians, who will work alongside the specialist paediatric team at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
“Every child deserves the chance to smile, speak and feel they belong,” says Avanthi Parboosing, Chief People Officer at Life Healthcare.
“Meeting families during the screening process is incredibly moving. Many have waited a long time for treatment, and it’s inspiring to see the difference this programme makes in their lives.”
Healthcare services for cleft patients in South Africa
Despite public healthcare services for cleft conditions being available in South Africa, many families still face long waiting periods due to limited resources and specialist capacity.
Without timely treatment, children born with cleft conditions can experience serious health complications, developmental delays, speech difficulties and social stigma.
“At Operation Smile, we believe safe surgery is a human right, not a privilege,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa.
All patients will receive surgery and follow-up care free of charge, thanks to the support of volunteers, donors and strategic partners.
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, says the initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to compassionate, family-centred care.
“By working together to provide world-class surgeries and strengthen local expertise, we are helping transform the lives of children and families,” she says.
The volunteer team will once again be hosted by the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton during their stay in Johannesburg.
“We are honoured to support the Operation Smile team as they carry out this important work,” says General Manager Stefan Lourens.
