We’ve just returned from Mthatha with full hearts, after our most successful surgical programme to date. No fewer than 41 patients – most of them children – received life-changing cleft surgery; 2 adults were fitted with special obturators and 568 people benefitted from free dental care, during the four-day programme.
Mandela Day (this coming Saturday) reminds us that we can all make a difference.
Whether we give of our time, our skills or our wealth, helping someone in need really is ‘in our hands’.
And right now, a child like Andile* needs our help. Yours and mine.
On 30 June 2026, the old MySchool programme and card will be discontinued. If you haven’t yet switched to the new MyDifference app and selected Operation Smile South Africa as your beneficiary, your everyday Woolworths shopping will no longer help provide life-changing surgery for children born with cleft conditions.
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!