Heal the Nation: Gauteng’s 2026 Mandela month surgical marathon to benefit thousands across province

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The Gauteng Department of Health has officially announced its plan to implement the fourth edition of the Mandela Month Surgical Marathon, scheduled to take place from July 11 to July 31, 2026.

This initiative will involve various hospitals and clinical teams throughout the province, which have committed to conducting over 1,000 surgeries and clinical procedures.

This effort is organized in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day, highlighting the importance of healthcare and community service in honor of Mandela’s legacy.

Now in its fourth year, 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.

According to Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the department, there is a commitment to perform 1,078 surgeries and clinical procedures, exceeding the 806 procedures carried out during the 2025 Mandela Month Surgical Marathon.

This initiative reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance surgical services and improve access to timely healthcare.

“The Surgical Marathon supports the department’s broader Treatment Time Guarantees (TTG) Programme, which seeks to improve patient flow, optimise theatre utilisation and ensure that patients requiring surgery receive timely and appropriate care.

“This year’s programme brings together 19 public hospitals across Gauteng, including academic, tertiary, regional and district hospitals, 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,

“These include 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,” he said.

Ambitious surgical marathon

Mabona outlined the range of procedures for this year’s Surgical Marathon, including cataract surgeries, hip and knee replacements, and hernia repairs.

Additionally, the event will feature more specialized interventions like cochlear implants, penile prosthetic implants, pediatric reconstructive surgery, and cardiac procedures.

The initiative is bolstered by collaborations with civil society organizations such as Gift of the Givers, the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Operation Healing Hands, and Envision Africa.

These partnerships provide ongoing support for the program through specialized teams, as well as medical consumables and equipment.

He continued, “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.

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“The initiative aligns with the 2026 Nelson Mandela International Day theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” and reflects the government’s commitment to improving equitable access to healthcare services for all residents of Gauteng.

“The department commends the dedication and commitment of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, theatre teams, support staff, hospital management teams and partners who continue to go beyond the call of duty in service of communities across the province.”