​Staff Writer 
Nine-month-old Ortica from Elim in Limpopo can now smile and feed properly after getting a life-changing surgery for a cleft lip repair at Steve Biko Academic Hospital this week. 
Ortica who was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, a craniofacial condition affecting the development of the face and skull is one of 12 children who received facial reconstruction surgery between 12 – 16 August 2024 as part of the Smile Week in collaboration with the Smile Foundation and Milky Lane as a sponsor. 
The cleft lip repair will also allow for improved speech development and improved sense of emotional well-being, as well as a more positive self-esteem as she grows older. 
Oritika's condition also presents as clubfoot, an underdeveloped ear, a bilateral cleft lip, a cleft palate and a hole in her heart. She will continue to receive surgical procedures throughout the years, as her body develops.
Her mother, Pembelani Tuwani (36) could not contain her tears while relating the challenges of raising a child with congenital abnormalities. The surgery brings so much relief as she could not bear seeing her daughter with an opening from the mouth to the nose.
"It was so difficult seeing my daughter in such a condition. It was emotionally draining, especially the lack of understanding from people in our community. I did not think that one day I would see Ortica having two nostrils and her face closed up.
"I am very relieved that we have now gotten the help that we needed from the hospital and Smile Foundation. I can now go back home knowing that my daughter will be able to feed properly without food coming out from the opening on her nose. I am hopeful that one day after receiving all the necessary surgeries, Ortica will be able to lead a normal like other children," said Tuwani. 
Smile Foundation is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive care for children with facial anomalies and burn injuries. It has partnered with public health facilities in the province including Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to change the lives of children across the country. 
Another heartwarming story is of three-year-old Mpho Suthu, an orphan who was abandoned by her mother for being born with a cleft lip and was left under the care of Tshwaragang Children's Home in Temba, Hammanskraal, City of Tshwane. 
Mpho received a lip reversion surgery to give him a smile he deserves and ensure that he grows confident and can play with other children without feeling ashamed of how he looks.
"We are very grateful for this life-changing procedure that our little Mpho received. I know that the other children at the orphanage will be very happy when they see Mpho with a repaired lip. We are very happy that he will be able to smile," said Margaret Leope, a caregiver at Tshwaragang Children's Home. 
The CEO of Smile Foundation, Tarri Parfitt said that every child deserves to feel secure, loved and capable of anything. She commended the team of surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff at Steve Biko Academic Hospital for making a meaningful impact on the children's lives.  
"Your steadfast commitment is truly awe-inspiring. You are giving these children and their parents the precious gift of a new beginning, a chance to face life with a renewed sense of hope and a smile that shines brighter than ever," said Parfitt.