Gauteng Health Department Performs More Than 800 Surgeries on Mandela Day
Johannesburg – A collective effort from 29 State hospitals and private partners in Gauteng has successfully conducted 806 surgical procedures within a span of 12 hours as part of the third installment of the Mandela Day “Surgical Marathons”.
On Saturday, 19 July 2025, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) revealed that this year’s surgery total exceeded last year’s count by 64 procedures.
This year’s emphasis was on crucial surgical specialties, including cleft palate repair, cataract surgery, colostomy reversal, and prostate procedures, as reported by the GDoH.
“Since launching the surgical marathons three years ago, we have consistently exceeded our targets each year in our goal to make a significant impact,” said Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The health MEC commended the efforts of healthcare professionals, university students, and organizations such as the Smile Foundation and Dr SK Matseke Hospital, who worked alongside the GDoH.
To enhance timely access to surgical procedures, the GDoH noted that it has become the first provincial health department in the nation to introduce Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs).
This innovative framework aims to improve access to surgical care, boost transparency, and reinforce accountability in public health.
The TTGs set maximum acceptable waiting times for various surgical procedures based on urgency and clinical conditions.
This strategic initiative is crafted to streamline access to surgical care, prioritize patient needs, and ensure healthcare facilities are accountable for prompt treatment.
During the launch of the TTG, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko remarked, “Gauteng is making a pivotal advancement in transforming surgical care with the introduction of Treatment Time Guarantees.”
“We are establishing a precedent by ensuring patients receive the surgeries they require without unnecessary delays.”
“This framework enables us to proactively manage waiting lists and elevate the quality of care for everyone,” she added.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko further emphasized, “This pioneering initiative underscores our dedication to improving healthcare delivery in Gauteng while drawing upon global best practices and tailoring the TTG framework to our healthcare system’s unique requirements.”
Alongside the Mandela Day surgical marathons, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko reopened the newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, now providing safer and more accurate prostate biopsies without the need for a surgical theatre.
Moreover, the upgraded Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Centre of Excellence has also reopened, enhancing early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer through improved imaging and testing capabilities.
“This facility will expand treatment options and offer a respectful, welcoming environment for care, providing hope to patients and families during their most challenging times,” stated the GDoH.
