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 pertormed over 800 life-changing surgeries on Mandela Day, July 18.

- WENDY DONDOLO

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,’ 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.