Tembisa Hospital marks Mandela Day with acts of kindness

Tembisa Hospital joined the global call to action on Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on July 18, by dedicating the day to acts of kindness and service under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”

Mandela Day is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder that every person has the power to change the world through small, meaningful actions.

In that spirit, the hospital’s I Serve with a Smile team visited wards to hand out fruit and tea to patients, offering comfort and nourishment to those receiving care.

ALSO READ: WC learners bring Mandela Day joy to Glenny Terrace seniors

Staff from the corporate services department also took part by handing out fleece blankets to new mothers and babies in Ward 6, extending warmth and support to families during their hospital stay.

Several external organisations supported the hospital’s Mandela Day efforts. Priontex assisted with cleaning the hospital grounds, helping to ensure a cleaner, safer environment for all.

Dr Temp donated fleece blankets and socks to local pensioners, spreading care beyond the hospital walls. Grow Great – Flourish partnered with hospital management to distribute gift bags and cupcakes to mothers and babies in the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) wards.

This year’s celebration also marked the official handover of a newly decorated cubicle in Ward 13, which was beautifully painted by the Grow Great team.

In another significant moment during Mandela Week, Tembisa Hospital participated in the Gauteng Department of Health’s third annual Surgical Marathon, held from July 14 to 18. The initiative focuses on restoring dignity and improving quality of life for patients awaiting essential surgeries.

ALSO READ: Kempton Park students honour Mandela Day with manicures for the elderly

Among the beneficiaries was 29-year-old Siyabonga Sangweni from Ebony Park, who received life-changing surgery that freed him from reliance on a colostomy bag. He had been using one since December 2023 after being shot.

Sangweni expressed deep gratitude, saying the operation would allow him to regain his independence and return to the activities he once enjoyed.

“The operation went well. I won’t be using colostomy bags anymore. They made my life difficult. I couldn’t do hard labour, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t play soccer,” he said.

He added that living with a colostomy bag was both physically and emotionally challenging.

“Not many people can survive it. I had to get used to it and accept my situation. I’m just happy that I will be a normal person again. My dignity is being restored. I will go back to being human again,” he said with emotion.

From community donations to transformative surgeries, Mandela Day at Tembisa Hospital reflected the late statesman’s legacy, one of compassion, dignity and shared responsibility.

Through both small gestures and life-changing procedures, the hospital reminded patients and staff alike that healing goes beyond medicine. It lies in the care and kindness we show one another.