A Mbombela Family’s Life-Changing Journey with Operation Smile

Photo Credit: Operation Smile

Promise Mathebula, a mother from Mbomela, received life-altering cleft surgery as a child, thanks to the compassionate care of Operation Smile. Now, decades later, in a heartwarming full-circle moment, the very same charity has extended its healing touch to her own son.

Mbombela, South Africa (28 July 2025) – When 33-year-old Promise Thembelihle Mathebula from Mbombela looks at her son Mpelo, she sees more than just a smile; she sees a full-circle moment.

As a child, Promise received life-changing cleft surgery through Operation Smile. In 2024, that same care was extended to her five-month-old son, who underwent successful lip surgery. He is set to return this year for his palate repair, ensuring a future filled with even more smiles and possibilities.

Their story is just one example of the generational impact of accessible, compassionate healthcare delivered by Operation Smile and made possible through the generous support of donors like the MyDifference programme.

The continued support has enabled Operation Smile to return to communities like Mbombela and provide life-changing care to families like Promise and Mpelo’s, creating a lasting impact where it’s needed most.

Delivering Essential Care and Smiles

Operation Smile South Africa returned to Mbombela this month to provide free, life-changing surgeries to children with cleft lip and palate conditions.

The latest surgical programme took place from 25 to 27 July at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela. It was delivered in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Health and with the support of 40 volunteer medical professionals from across South Africa.

Sarah Scarth, Executive Director at Operation Smile South Africa, expressed pride in partnering with organisations that bring hope and healing to more children and families living with unrepaired cleft conditions.

“Over two days of surgery, our volunteer medical team aimed to complete 25 surgeries. Without this intervention, children with clefts in this province may have to wait years for the chance to receive life-changing surgery,” Scarth added.

Since its establishment in South Africa in 2006, Operation Smile has built a network of over 150 active volunteers, including cleft surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, paediatricians, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists, and biomedical staff. These dedicated teams have travelled throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa to perform thousands of life-changing surgeries.

A key focus of the organisation is skills transfer, through training and upskilling of healthcare workers both during and beyond its surgical programmes.

“Our long-term goal is to build sustainability, so that this specialised cleft care can happen in the public health system — whether we are there or not,” said Scarth.

To support this, Operation Smile South Africa relies on some of the country’s most experienced medical professionals to mentor and train more junior colleagues, ensuring cleft care continues to grow locally.

Dental support was an additional focus of the upcoming Mbombela programme. The Rob Ferreira Hospital Oral Health team, supported by Operation Smile, volunteered their time over the weekend to raise awareness about cleft conditions and offer vital dental care to local children. Treatments included fillings, scale and polishes, extractions, dental restorations, fissure sealants, and pulpotomies (root canals on baby teeth), helping ensure children don’t miss school due to untreated dental issues.

“Dental care is a vital part of the overall treatment plan for people with cleft conditions,” added Scarth.

“Most people born with a cleft — and certainly all those born with a cleft palate — need dental treatment, because the whole jaw is affected. The more support we can provide, the more we can improve quality of life.”