​The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has commended the various teams that worked on Nelson Mandela Day surgical marathons for ensuring that the department exceeds the target of 700 procedures on 18 July. 

As of 19:00 this evening 720 elective surgeries were carried out by the 32 facilities that took part in the marathons. This was part of a campaign to tackle the backlog of 18 000 patients who have been awaiting surgical procedures. This was reduced from 32 000 at the beginning of the year.

Hundreds of patients, who had been waiting to undergo surgical procedures ranging from plastic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, orthopaedics, hernia repair, prostate biopsy, colostomy closures and many others, had their dignity restored as they were operated on.

“It is a job well done to the whole team. We set ourselves a target and we have been able to surpass that target. This milestone is a clear demonstration of the capacity we have within the Gauteng healthcare system. 

“This demonstrates what can be achieved when we partners with multiple stakeholders to tackle issues confronting the healthcare system. The challenge we have set for the team now is replicating this success regularly through a series of marathons until we have eliminated the backlog,” stated a visibly excited MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Mandela Day is commemorated annually on 18 July and calls for people to devote 67 minutes of their time to positively impact communities and the lives of people. The 2023 Mandela Day was held under the theme “It is in your hands” and marked the 10 years since the death of Nelson Mandela. To commemorate his life the Nelson Mandela Foundation has themed the 10 year remembrance call to action: “The Legacy Lives on Through You”. 

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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health