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.
Unlike flowers or chocolates, this gift will last long after Mother’s Day is over. It changes a child’s life forever. And gives another mom – one who can’t afford expensive surgery or private health care – hope of a better life for her child.
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.
Finding out that your newborn has a cleft condition is overwhelming for any parent. But imagine facing that news when you can’t even see your child!
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.
When she saw her son for the first time after the operation, Zander’s mom couldn’t hold back the tears of joy.