Two Blouberg residents were among a team of volunteers who helped provide life-changing cleft surgeries to children during a recent Operation Smile South Africa programme at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg.

The volunteer-led initiative saw a specialist team of 50 volunteers deliver surgeries for 40 children with cleft conditions from Gauteng and surrounding provinces between 29 and 31 May.

The programme comes as the United Nations marks 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers, recognising the important contribution volunteers make in communities around the world.

Family affair

Blouberg anaesthesiologist Dr Neville Botha participated in his 15th Operation Smile programme since joining the organisation in 2010. His volunteer work has taken him to countries including Morocco, Madagascar, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This year, however, the experience was particularly special as he was joined by his daughter, Bianca Botha, on her first programme.

A final-year psychology student at the University of Cape Town, Bianca volunteered as part of the Operation Smile Student Programme, working alongside clinical teams to help prepare children and caregivers for surgery.

Giving back

Also volunteering was Jaqueline Toerin, who manages a surf shop during the week and took part in her third Operation Smile South Africa programme as a medical records volunteer.

Toerin said one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience is seeing caregivers connect and support one another after their children undergo surgery.

She has also embraced another way of giving back. Inspired by a fellow volunteer, Toerin spends downtime during surgical weekends knitting blanket squares that are later turned into blankets for patients. She has encouraged other volunteers to join her, turning the activity into a shared act of kindness.

Celebrating 20 years

This year’s programme coincides with Operation Smile South Africa’s 20th anniversary.

Since 2006, the organisation has built a network of more than 150 active volunteers who have helped deliver thousands of cleft surgeries across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

The milestone aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of this year as the International Year of Volunteers, highlighting the role volunteers play in strengthening healthcare systems and communities worldwide.

Among the volunteers was Life Healthcare Chief People Officer Avanthi Parboosing.

“Every child deserves the chance to smile, speak and feel they belong – without ridicule or judgement,” said Parboosing.

“Engaging with the mothers and children as they’re screened, many filled with anxiety and hope for life-changing surgery, is incredibly moving. It’s a powerful reminder of how much this moment means to families who have waited so long.

“I’m immensely proud of Life Healthcare for supporting an initiative that makes such a real and tangible difference. It speaks of the heart of who we are and what we do: making life better. This work is truly life changing.”

Building sustainable care

Beyond delivering surgery, Operation Smile South Africa also focuses on skills transfer and training to ensure healthcare workers receive mentoring and support during and beyond surgical programmes.

“Our long-term goal is to build sustainability, so that specialised cleft care can happen within the public health system – whether we are there or not,” said Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa.

She said children with cleft conditions could otherwise wait years for surgery.

“Without these interventions, children with cleft conditions may have to wait years for the chance to receive life-changing surgery. We are incredibly grateful to the medical volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to help change the lives of children and families.”

For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org.za

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