Gauteng hospitals perform over 800 surgeries in 12 hours for Mandela Day

In a powerful tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Gauteng’s public hospitals successfully performed over 800 life-changing surgeries on Mandela Day, July 18.

According to the Gauteng Department of Health, 806 surgical procedures were completed across 29 institutions within 12 hours, surpassing the 742 surgeries conducted in 2024.

“This is 64 surgeries more than was the case in 2024 (742). The surgical marathon will continue, however, continue to run until the end of July 2025,” the Department said.

The initiative, now in its third year, focused on critical surgeries such as cleft palate repair, cataract surgery, colostomy reversal, and prostate procedures. These were performed alongside general surgeries to improve the independence and well-being of patients across the province.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, praised the collaborative effort.

“Since we embarked on the surgical marathons three years ago, each year we surpass the target of the previous year as we strive to do more to make a difference. The work we do during this period is over and above the normal elective surgeries done by our facilities,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The Mandela Day Surgical Marathons were supported by healthcare professionals, university students, and partners such as the Smile Foundation and Dr SK Matseke Hospital.

In a major development to further healthcare delivery, Gauteng also became the first provincial health department in South Africa to introduce Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs), a framework designed to reduce surgical waiting times and ensure accountability in patient care.

“This innovative framework is implemented to improve access to surgical care, promote transparency and strengthen public health accountability,” the statement noted. TTGs establish maximum allowable waiting times based on urgency and clinical need.

Speaking at the launch, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the impact.

“Gauteng is taking a historic step in transforming surgical care by introducing the Treatment Time Guarantees. We are leading the way by ensuring that patients receive the surgeries they need without unnecessary delays. This framework empowers us to actively manage waiting lists and enhance the quality of care for all.”

She further emphasised that this groundbreaking innovation underscores our commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Gauteng, drawing from global best practices while tailoring the TTG framework to meet the unique needs of our healthcare system.

The province also marked additional milestones, including the reopening of a newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The unit is now capable of conducting safer, more precise prostate biopsies without surgical theatres.

Moreover, Helen Joseph Hospital’s Breast Centre of Excellence has been upgraded to improve imaging, testing, and early diagnosis of breast cancer.

“This facility will expand treatment services and provide a welcoming, dignified space for care, bringing hope to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments,” the Department said.

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