A New Chapter for 39 Women, Thanks to Project Flamingo

Photo Credit: Anelia Loubser - Supplied

Project Flamingo performed 39 breast cancer surgeries in a single day across five public hospitals, proving once again that compassion, collaboration, and commitment can change lives.

Western Cape, South Africa (23 July 2025) – Across five public hospitals in South Africa, operating theatres buzzed with quiet purpose this past Saturday as volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and support teams worked together to deliver something many women in the public healthcare system wait far too long for: timely, life-saving breast cancer surgery.

In a single day, Project Flamingo, the much-loved NPO known for its compassionate, no-nonsense approach to healthcare inequality facilitated 39 breast cancer surgeries at Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, George Regional, Livingstone, and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals. For the women who received treatment, this wasn’t just a medical milestone, it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Project Flamingo has now performed over 1,800 breast cancer surgeries in South Africa’s public healthcare sector, stepping in where systems fall short. By using volunteer medical professionals and unused weekend theatre space, the organisation tackles a devastating backlog of cases that often leave women waiting months, even years, for essential care.

“Breast cancer affects one in eight women,” says Dr Liana Roodt, surgeon and founder of Project Flamingo. “Yet our public healthcare system still doesn’t have the capacity to treat the growing number of patients. These delays aren’t just numbers — they’re lives on hold. They’re mothers, sisters, daughters who deserve better.”

This year’s coordinated surgical effort also marked the launch of Make Room for Her, a powerful new campaign that puts women’s health front and centre. More than a slogan, it’s a rallying cry: “We’re making room, in hospitals, in budgets, in conversations, for her.”

The campaign reflects the organisation’s broader mission to restore dignity to patients by providing more than just surgery. Project Flamingo funds essential nursing staff, patient support services, and holistic care, all elements that make the experience not just survivable, but humane.

“This isn’t just about operations,” says Dr Roodt. “It’s about reclaiming health and dignity. We create space for women to be heard, to be treated, and to know that their lives matter. That is how we build a more just and compassionate country.”

For Project Flamingo, this work is far from symbolic, it’s urgent, tangible, and ongoing. As the team looks ahead, they are calling on individuals, partners, and donors to join their mission. Funding is needed not only for surgeries but for the tools and support services that ensure no woman is left behind because of where she lives or how much she earns.

The message is clear: cancer care should never be left to chance.