Byline: Levhuwani Matumba
17 July 2026
Families and individuals living with cleft lip and/or cleft palate are being encouraged to come forward for free screening, assessment and life-changing surgery during a special healthcare programme to be held in Mbombela later this month.
The initiative, organised by Operation Smile South Africa in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Health, will take place from 24 to 26 July 2026 at Rob Ferreira Hospital. The programme aims to provide surgical treatment and comprehensive cleft care to approximately 25 patients.
Free Dental Services for Children
In addition to the cleft programme, the Rob Ferreira Hospital Dental Department, with support from Operation Smile, will host a free oral health programme for children aged 12 years and younger on 26 and 27 July 2026.
Families are encouraged to bring their children for free dental services, including:
· Fillings
· Scale and polish
· Tooth extractions
· Dental restorations
· Fissure sealants
· Pulpotomies (root canal treatment for baby teeth)
Mpumalanga MEC for Health Sasekani Manzini said oral health is an essential part of caring for patients with cleft conditions and is equally important for children across the province.
“By combining treatment, education and prevention, we hope to improve oral health outcomes while encouraging families to seek care early and regularly,” she said.
She added that the programme demonstrates the value of collaboration between specialist volunteers and local healthcare professionals to strengthen healthcare services in the province.
Restoring Lives Through Surgery
Operation Smile South Africa will deploy a multidisciplinary team of volunteer specialists, including cleft surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals to work alongside staff at Rob Ferreira Hospital.
Operation Smile South Africa Executive Director Sarah Scarth said untreated cleft conditions can affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, hear and breathe, with lasting effects on their health, confidence and quality of life.
She said access to timely surgery and ongoing multidisciplinary care can transform lives by improving both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
One of the programme’s success stories is 34-year-old Promise Thembelihle Mathebula from Mbombela. Promise underwent cleft surgery through Operation Smile as a child. Years later, her son, Mpelo, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, also received successful surgery through the organisation. In 2025, both mother and son returned to undergo palate surgery, highlighting the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare across generations.
Prospective patients will undergo comprehensive medical assessments before surgery, with procedures scheduled according to each patient’s medical suitability.
Families wishing to register for screening or obtain more information can contact Patient Coordinator Dakalo Maguga on 073 577 8786 or email infosa@operationsmile.org.
More information is available on the Operation Smile South Africa website www.operationsmile.org.za
