A qualified Maxillofacial surgeon is changing the lives of those without access to specialised healthcare, one pro-bono surgery at a time.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 May 2023) – Every month, Dr Malcolm du Preez, an Operation Smile medical volunteer, flies to Johannesburg from Cape Town to complete cleft palate and lip surgeries on vulnerable cleft patients without access to private health care.
He stays at the Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel free of charge for the duration of his 3-day trip, ensuring no unnecessary costs are incurred and makes his way to a Joburg-based government hospital where he performs life-changing surgery on babies, children and even some adults born with cleft abnormalities.
A benefiter of Dr du Preez’s work is 21-year-old Tshepo Manetja, who saw an advert for Operation Smile on DStv. After reaching out to the non-profit, Tshepo was invited to attend its surgical program in Mpumalanga. What followed was two pro-bono surgeries, the first to close the gap in his mouth and then, later on, a second surgery to have a bone graft done by Dr du Preez at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.
“The bone graft surgery was a bit more complex, but Dr du Preez was amazing. He took the time to explain the procedure to me and answer all my questions. He even visited me after the surgery to check on my progress and make sure I was comfortable,” Tshepo says.
Tshepo’s story is just one example of the many lives that Dr du Preez has touched through his pro-bono work. His commitment to providing quality healthcare to those in need has made a significant impact on the lives of his patients and their families.
Together with non-profit Operation Smile South Africa, and assistance from private entities such as the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Dr du Preez is hoping to reach his personal goal of 36 completely free cleft-related surgeries by the end of 2023.
Contact Operation Smile by clicking here to find out how you can either volunteer or assist in granting more surgeries for those who so desperately need it, and give renewed hope to children and families in South Africa.
Operation Smile South Africa:
Operation Smile’s team of dedicated professionals has been providing high-quality cleft care in sub-Saharan Africa since 1987. Operation Smile South Africa was established in 2006 and has since been a driving force in the delivery of safe cleft surgery and care for hundreds of patients in South Africa and in neighbouring countries.
There are currently 115 active South African volunteers who serve on local and international Operation Smile surgical programmes.
by 