For families who have spent months, and in some cases years, waiting for life-changing treatment, a long-awaited moment of hope has finally arrived.
Up to 40 children from Gauteng living with cleft lip and palate conditions will receive free corrective surgery later this month through a partnership between Operation Smile South Africa, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, and Life Healthcare, offering families not only medical relief, but the promise of a brighter future.
The intensive surgical programme, set to take place from 29 to 31 May in Johannesburg, aims to help reduce the backlog of cleft surgeries in Gauteng, where many families have faced lengthy delays in accessing specialised treatment in an already strained public healthcare system.
For many parents, the wait has been filled with uncertainty, heartbreak and fear about what lies ahead for their children.
Among them is Lebone Tolomane, whose son Rorisang is scheduled to undergo palate surgery during the programme.
Tolomane knew about her son’s cleft condition before he was born and tried to prepare herself emotionally. But after his birth, unexpected complications, including an undiagnosed heart condition and concerns about his weight, meant surgery had to be delayed.
“Life was a bit difficult, but I had support from my family,” she said.
As each setback pushed treatment further out of reach, hope became harder to hold onto.
“I felt sad and heartbroken. I didn’t know what to do next. I started losing hope.”
She says there were moments she cried without knowing what the future would bring, relying on prayer, family and perseverance to keep going.
When doctors finally confirmed that Rorisang was strong enough for surgery, the relief was overwhelming.
“I was over the moon,” she said.
What she wants most now is simple: a normal, joyful childhood for her son.
“He will have a happy life with friends.”
Promise Mathebula understands the impact of cleft care from both sides, as someone who grew up with the condition and now as a mother to a child born with it.
“I learned to accept that I am different from other children,” she said, recalling the bullying and isolation she faced growing up before surgery changed her life.
“I was able to relate to other children and make friends. My life changed.”
Years later, her son Mpelo was born with both a cleft lip and cleft palate. After his surgeries, Promise says seeing him brought overwhelming relief.
“He came out completely different,” she said.
“And my heart experienced peace and happiness that couldn’t be defined.”
Beyond restoring smiles, cleft surgeries can dramatically improve a child’s ability to eat, speak and breathe, while reducing the risk of long-term health complications, developmental delays, and social isolation.
Without timely intervention, children living with cleft conditions often face bullying, stigma and emotional distress, alongside ongoing medical challenges.
This year’s programme carries added significance as Operation Smile South Africa marks 20 years of providing free cleft surgeries across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa through volunteer-driven care.
The milestone also coincides with the United Nations’ recognition of 2026 as the International Volunteer Year, shining a spotlight on the role of volunteerism in transforming lives.
A team of 50 volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists and psychologists, will travel from across the country to Johannesburg to support the surgical weekend alongside specialists at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
.“Safe surgery is a human right, not a privilege,” said Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa.
“Powered by our volunteer medical team, the weekend surgical programme will help around 40 families access life-changing cleft surgery, while simultaneously supporting the transfer of critical skills towards building local cleft surgical capacity.”
Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, said the initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“At NMCH, our mission is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s deep love for children and his belief in their right to live and thrive,” she said.
“By working together to deliver world-class surgeries and build local expertise, we are living our values of Ubuntu, compassion and excellence.”
For Life Healthcare, which is supporting the initiative, the programme is also a reminder of the human impact of access to care.
“Every child deserves the chance to smile, speak and feel they belong, without ridicule or judgement,” said Avanthi Parboosing, Chief People Officer at Life Healthcare, who will also volunteer during the programme.
“Engaging with the mothers and children as they’re screened, many filled with anxiety and hope for life-changing surgery, is incredibly moving.”
Children will undergo pre-surgery screenings on 29 May, with operations scheduled throughout the weekend. After surgery, they and their caregivers will recover at the Operation Smile Patient Village, where they will receive follow-up care before being discharged.
For families like the Tolomanes, the upcoming surgery is about far more than a medical procedure.
It is the chance for a child to speak with confidence, smile without fear, and grow up without having to explain their difference.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
