Free cleft surgery mission in Mthatha to begin October 29

How the mission will run

The clinical team has split this year’s mission into two parts. On the screening day, medical specialists will evaluate each patient to confirm surgical readiness, assess anaesthetic safety and develop an individualised treatment plan. Patients cleared during screenings will then receive reconstructive surgery on one of the scheduled operating days.

The schedule and patient pathway are designed to ensure that assessments and operations are coordinated and that each patient receives a tailored plan before entering theatre.

Who can access the service

The clinic will accept infants, children and adults living with an unrepaired cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. The outreach is intended to reach patients who have not yet had corrective surgery and who may face barriers to accessing specialist care.

Why the mission matters

Paediatric surgical specialists note that cleft conditions vary in severity and can affect essential functions in early life. Untreated clefts can impede an infant’s suckling reflex and compromise weight gain. They can also distort normal speech and hearing development. Patients frequently develop secondary complications such as dental misalignment and airway difficulties. These clinical consequences underline the importance of timely assessment and surgery where appropriate.

Multidisciplinary care and provincial support

Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, confirmed provincial support for the clinical team. Capa highlighted the comprehensive nature of the visiting team, saying:

“a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including cleft surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists”

Capa said bringing that team together “ensures that families will obtain critical care.”

Operation Smile South Africa’s role and local training

Operation Smile South Africa is leading the outreach in Mthatha. The organisation emphasises that surgeries are coupled with clinical mentoring for provincial medical personnel. Local doctors, nurses, anaesthetic registrars and speech therapists will train alongside visiting specialists, assisting with theatre workflows, surgical preparation and recovery monitoring. This collaborative model is intended to strengthen regional capacity for long-term cleft care.

“Conducting surgeries is just one part of our programme. It is also about strengthening the skills and knowledge within the communities we serve.”

Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa, framed the outreach as a response to access challenges. She said the outreach addresses structural inequalities in public health and noted that surgical access “can be difficult, especially for families living in rural communities.” Scarth urged families to seek the organisation’s help, saying:

“We want families to know that they do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone. If you or your child is living with an unrepaired cleft, please get in touch with us and let our team explain how we can help.”

Past results and anniversary context

Building on the previous mission in October 2025, volunteer medical personnel screened more than 40 patients at the hospital and completed 32 cleft surgeries. To accommodate additional procedures this year, the 2026 programme adds a third surgical day.

The 2026 mission also coincides with the 20-year anniversary of Operation Smile South Africa. Official organisational records state that since establishing operations in 2006, the organisation has completed 6,221 safe reconstructive surgeries while working with provincial health authorities to reduce the surgical backlog.

Practical information for families

Families are urged to register before the team arrives in Mthatha so files can be processed early. Key logistical details provided by organisers are listed below.

• Screening date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Surgical dates: October 30–November 1, 2026
• Location: Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Sisson Street, Fort Gale, Mthatha
• Cost: 100% free of charge the programme includes assessments, surgery, stay and meals
• Required documents: patient clinic/health card or birth certificate, and parent/guardian ID

For enquiries and further information about the Mthatha programme, the contact provided by organisers is Vuyo Somdaka at 073 580 6714 or [email protected].

What to expect during screening

On the screening day, clinicians will assess each patient’s medical history and current health status, confirm anaesthetic safety and map out the treatment plan. Such pre-operative evaluations are standard practice in surgical outreach and help ensure that operations proceed safely and with appropriate post-operative care in place.

This mission combines direct patient care with skills transfer to local staff and seeks to make specialist cleft services more accessible to families who might otherwise face difficulty reaching care. Families interested in the Mthatha programme are encouraged to register and bring the required documents on the screening day so that any necessary files and plans can be prepared in advance.