Every child deserves to smile, and Operation Smile South Africa is helping make that a reality by offering free, life-changing cleft care to families in the rural Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 October 2026) – For a child, a cleft is more than a visible difference. Depending on its severity, it can affect their ability to eat, speak, and hear, while also contributing to dental and respiratory challenges. Children and families may also face stigma, bullying and social isolation.
Sadly, in many communities, accessing timely, specialist care can be difficult.
Operation Smile South Africa knows this reality all too well. That is why they are inviting families and individuals across the Eastern Cape and surrounding areas to come forward for free specialist cleft care at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha from 29 October to 1 November 2026.
“Accessing specialist cleft surgery and comprehensive care, especially for families living in rural communities, can be difficult. Operation Smile is here to change that by helping children and adults with clefts access specialist care closer to home,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa.
“We want families to know that they do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone. If you or your child is living with an unrepaired cleft, please get in touch with us and let our team explain how we can help.”
The annual cleft surgical programme in Mthatha is part of Operation Smile’s partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, aimed at strengthening comprehensive cleft care across the province. Last year, the specialist volunteer medical team performed 32 cleft surgeries, after screening more than 40 patients. This year’s programme has been extended to three surgical days.
MEC for Health in the Eastern Cape, Ntandokazi Capa, said the partnership with OSSA will bring together a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including cleft surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists.
“For families, this means access to the specialist care they need without having to travel far from home.”
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For those who are approved for surgery, the programme provides care throughout the surgical and recovery process.
Scarth adds that conducting surgeries is just one part of the programme.
“It’s also about strengthening the skills and knowledge within the communities we serve. Our programmes create opportunities for local healthcare professionals to work alongside specialist volunteers, sharing knowledge and skills across disciplines and helping to build local capacity for cleft care.”
Operation Smile is urging families to make contact before the October programme rather than waiting until the team arrives in Mthatha. If you or your child is waiting, don’t wait to get in touch.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit the OSSA Facebook page or website.
Sources: Operation Smile South Africa
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