Johannesburg – In Gauteng, 29 State hospitals and their private partners accomplished an impressive 806 surgical procedures in just 12 hours during the third edition of the Mandela Day “Surgical Marathons.”
On Saturday, 19 July 2025, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) announced that this year’s surgical achievements exceeded last year’s total by 64 procedures.
The focus areas for this year included critical surgical specialties such as cleft palate repair, cataract surgery, colostomy reversal, and prostate surgery, according to the GDoH.
“Since the inception of the surgical marathons three years ago, we have consistently surpassed our targets, aiming to make a significant difference,” stated 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 collaborated with the GDoH.
To ensure timely access to surgical services, the GDoH emphasized its position as the first provincial health department in the nation to implement Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs).
This innovative framework is intended to enhance access to surgical care, promote transparency, and bolster accountability in public health.
The introduction of TTGs establishes maximum acceptable waiting times for various surgical procedures based on urgency and clinical conditions.
This strategic approach aims to streamline surgical access, prioritize patient needs, and hold healthcare facilities accountable for timely treatment.
At the TTG launch, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko remarked, “Gauteng is taking a significant step toward transforming surgical care with the introduction of Treatment Time Guarantees.”
“We are setting a standard by ensuring that patients receive essential surgeries without unnecessary delays.”
“This framework enables us to proactively manage waiting lists and enhance the quality of care for everyone,” she added.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko further noted, “This groundbreaking initiative reflects our commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Gauteng, inspired by global best practices while tailoring the TTG framework to meet our healthcare system’s unique needs.”
Alongside the Mandela Day surgical marathons, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko reopened the newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, now offering safer and more precise prostate biopsies without the need for a surgical theatre.
Additionally, the upgraded Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Centre of Excellence has also reopened, facilitating enhanced early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer through improved imaging and testing capabilities.
“This facility will expand treatment options and provide a dignified, welcoming environment for care, instilling hope in patients and families during their most vulnerable moments,” the GDoH stated.
