Maletsatsi Foundation Calls on Community to Rally Behind Child’s Urgent Surgery

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A young boy’s hardware removal procedure has been delayed due to long public hospital waiting lists, prompting the Maletsatsi Foundation to seek urgent donations to fund it privately.

South Africa (16 February 2026) – The Maletsatsi Foundation has issued an urgent appeal to raise R80,000 for a young boy in its care who requires surgery to remove medical hardware that is affecting his quality of life.

The Foundation navigates both public and private healthcare systems to secure the best outcomes for children in its home, says the current situation highlights the strain within the public sector. While state hospitals are staffed by highly skilled and dedicated professionals, heavy caseloads and long waiting lists can delay procedures that are important.

The young boy, who has lived at the Foundation for the past five years, has already overcome significant physical challenges.

“This hero was not supposed to ever walk,” the Foundation shared. “And now not only does he do that, but he tears around on a motorbike like a daredevil.”

Over the years, he has undergone multiple surgeries. In one instance, what would typically have been a day procedure in a private hospital resulted in a seven-week stay in a public facility due to administrative delays. The Maletsatsi Foundation also shared that this experience had a noticeable impact on his emotional well-being.

In December 2022, he underwent a major operation, which left surgical hardware in place. Under normal circumstances, the hardware would have been removed the following year. However, because the procedure is not classified as an emergency, he has been placed on a waiting list.

“We need to remove this hardware urgently. And we need your help to make this happen.”

A quotation received from a surgeon confirmed that the procedure will cost R80,000. The Foundation is confident that, with community support, the funds can be raised to ensure the surgery takes place.