Operation Smile South Africa

16/06/2026

This Youth Day, we celebrate every young person who chooses to show up for others.
At Operation Smile South Africa, we're inspired daily by the next generation: students who are learning, leading, and taking real action for children born with cleft conditions, right here at home and across the globe.
Through Operation Smile Student Programs, young people in 40+ countries are building a future rooted in compassion, equity, and care.
https://operationsmile.org.za/student-programmes/

12/06/2026

Every smile tells a story of hope. 💙

At Operation Smile South Africa, we do more than provide surgery. We provide life-changing cleft care that helps children and adults smile, speak, eat, and thrive.

From surgery and speech therapy to dental care, nutrition support, and psychosocial services, our volunteer medical teams work together to create brighter, healthier futures for patients and their families.

📍 Our next Surgical Programme takes place in Mbombela
🗓️ 24 – 26 July 2026 Rob Ferreira Hospital

If you or someone you know is living with a cleft lip or cleft palate and would like to be screened for treatment, please contact our Patient Coordinator:

📞 Dakalo Maguga – 073 577 8786

Together, we're creating more smiles and healthier futures.

10/06/2026

We don’t automatically move with you, and time is running out!

If you’ve switched to Woolworths’ new MyDifference card, your support for Operation Smile South Africa doesn’t automatically carry over.
But reselecting us, takes under a minute -and keeps life-changing surgery within reach for children born with cleft lip and palate.

Choose us as your cause and scan your MyDifference card on the Woolies app every time you shop to continue to support us, at no cost to you. Just download the Woolies app and join MyDifference. It’s totally free!
How to support us:
1. Download the Woolies app.
2. Join MyDifference.
3. Go to the Loyalty hub and tap ‘Causes’.
4. Select ‘Choose My Own’.
5. Search for Operation Smile

⏰ Deadline: 30 June
👉 Reselect Operation Smile South Africa today!
https://operationsmile.org.za/switch-to-mydifference-by-30-june/,

04/06/2026

Behind every cleft journey is a family learning to navigate uncertainty, resilience, and hope.
This powerful Times LIVE feature shines a light on mothers who share their lived experiences of raising children born with cleft conditions - stories that reflect not only the challenges of early diagnosis and care, but also the strength, love, and transformation that follow access to treatment and support.
At Operation Smile South Africa, we see these journeys every day. They remind us why comprehensive cleft care is about far more than surgery; it’s about restoring confidence, enabling communication, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Read the full story here https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-05-30-in-pics-mothers-open-up-about-raising-children-born-with-cleft-conditions/;

Operation Smile SA marks 20 years of providing free cleft surgeries across SA and sub-Saharan Africa

31/05/2026

The final stretch of Surgery Day 2 💙

A few tired feet, a lot of full hearts, and a theatre team still going strong. Between the hugs, the waiting, the relief and the first glimpses of new smiles, today has been one we’ll never forget.

A few more surgeries to go before we close out another incredible day at . ✨











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31/05/2026

A few of our favourite moments from yesterday at Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital. 💙

The smiles, the hugs, the happy tears, and the incredible courage shown by our patients and their families remind us why we do what we do.

Surgery continues today as more life-changing smiles begin their journey. And none of it would be possible without our incredible sponsors and donors. Thank you for helping make these moments a reality.

30/05/2026

As day one of surgery draws to a close, we’re reminded that every operation is about so much more than what happens in theatre.

It’s about the reassuring hand of a nurse, the comfort of a caregiver and the courage shown by every child and family on this journey.

29/05/2026

Today’s screening day at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital brought together 50 volunteer medical professionals from across South Africa in preparation for cleft surgeries starting tomorrow.

Working alongside the specialist paediatric team at Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, and supported by Life Healthcare, Operation Smile South Africa will deliver 40 life-changing surgeries for children living with cleft conditions over the coming days.

Each child seen today underwent careful health assessments to confirm surgical readiness ahead of tomorrow’s theatre list.

After a full day in hospital, volunteers return to Radisson Blu Hotel for a well-earned rest before theatres open in the morning.

29/05/2026

Screening Day ✔️ 💙

Today was all about first hellos, brave little faces, and the final checks before the magic begins. Tomorrow, 40 life-changing surgeries get underway at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

The stage is set. The dream team is ready. ✨