In a major push to reduce the backlog of cleft lip and palate surgeries in Gauteng, Operation Smile and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) – with key support from Life Healthcare – delivered an intensive weekend surgical programme from 16 to 18 May 2025.
No fewer than 52 Operation Smile medical volunteers traveled from across South Africa to collaborate with the paediatric clinical team at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Volunteers included specialist cleft surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists, medical records and patient imaging technicians.
Life-changing surgeries for 37 children
Pre-surgery screening took place on the Friday. 46 children underwent thorough medical assessments to ensure they met the criteria for safe surgery. Of these, 37 got the green light to receive life-changing surgeries on Saturday and Sunday. Each young patient, accompanied by their parent or guardian, received world class compassionate care. All free of charge – thanks to the generosity of our partners and donors.
Whilst South Africa’s public healthcare system is designed to treat patients with cleft conditions, in many areas it’s chronically under-resourced. Children and families wait months or even years for surgery. Without timely intervention, these children face serious and debilitating long-term health issues, developmental delays, and the risk of social isolation and bullying.
“At Operation Smile, our priority is to bridge the gap in access to essential cleft surgeries and healthcare,” explains Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. “We also provide specialist training for local health professionals, to increase high-quality local capability.”
Hundreds of free surgeries
Over the past 19 years Operation Smile South Africa has partnered with government and health institutions across the country to provide hundreds of free surgeries to children and young adults with cleft conditions.
“At NMCH ( Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital) , our mission is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s deep love for children,” says Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “This initiative reflects our commitment to family-centred care and the power of collaboration to change lives. By working together to deliver world-class surgeries and build local expertise, we are living our values of Ubuntu, compassion, and excellence.”
As part of their commitment to care for the community, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton provided a wonderful home base for the hardworking volunteers during their stay in Johannesburg.
“We are honoured to be part of this journey of healing,” said Stefan Lourens, General Manager of Radisson Blu Sandton. “It’s a privilege to support the well-being of the Operation Smile team while they perform miracles.”
Thank you to all our guests, partners and sponsors
We were delighted to welcome guests and sponsors who came to the hospital throughout the weekend to see our team in action. Many thanks to Prescient (sponsors of the Freedom Paddle), Cipla Foundation, Treble Group, Sable Square, DSV Global, Ardagh Glass Africa, Solenis, Smec Global, DHL Africa, EuropCar South Africa, SAAHIP National, Active Aligners South Africa, Probe IMT, and MSC Cargo.
Although research into the causes of cleft lip and palate is not conclusive, factors include:
- genetics and family history
- pre-existing medical conditions
- poor nutrition
- exposure to harmful substances
Depending on the severity and type of condition, children with a cleft typically require multiple surgeries throughout childhood, as well as speech therapy and dental treatment. Psychosocial support is also crucial to support the child and family throughout their journey.