The Gauteng department of Health (GHoD) has launched its fourth Mandela Month Surgical Marathon from Saturday until the end of July in honour of Mandela Month.
Nineteen public hospitals across Gauteng have pledged to perform a total of 1 078 surgeries and clinical procedures, surpassing last year’s 806.
According to the department, the initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce surgical waiting lists, improve access to care and restore the dignity of patients awaiting procedures across Gauteng public hospitals.
In a statement, the health department said, “With a total pledge of 1078 surgeries and clinical procedures, the department aims to surpass the 806 procedures performed during the 2025 Mandela Month Surgical Marathon, demonstrating continued progress in strengthening surgical services and expanding access to timely care.”
“19 hospitals, including academic, tertiary, regional and district hospitals, will participate, making it “one of the province’s largest coordinated surgical access interventions to date. These hospitals will dedicate theatre time throughout July to reduce waiting lists and improve access to specialist surgical services.”
“More than 20 surgical and clinical disciplines will participate in this year’s programme, including ophthalmology, orthopaedics, general surgery, urology, paediatric surgery, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, breast surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery and oncology services.”
“The procedures planned for this year’s Surgical Marathon range from cataract surgeries, hip and knee replacements and hernia repairs to more specialised interventions such as cochlear implants, penile prosthetic implants, paediatric reconstructive surgery and cardiac procedures,” the department explained.
Civil society organisations such as Gift of the Givers, the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Operation Healing Hands and Envision Africa will support the programme with specialist teams, medical consumables and equipment.
“For many patients, surgery represents more than a medical procedure. It means restored sight, renewed mobility, relief from pain and an opportunity to return to work, school and family life after months or even years of waiting for treatment.
“The Mandela Month Surgical Marathon is more than a series of operations. It is a province-wide commitment to restore hope, reduce waiting times, strengthen the health system and honour the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela through meaningful action.
“Every procedure performed represents sight restored, mobility regained, pain relieved and dignity returned to patients and families across Gauteng,” the department said.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona says the marathon honours Nelson Mandela’s legacy by restoring hope, dignity and timely healthcare to patients across the province.
“The procedures planned for this year’s surgical marathon range from hip and knee replacements. We are talking about specialised interventions, paediatric reconstructive surgery and cardiac procedures. The initiative is further strengthened through partnerships with different organisations.”
