This year, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital celebrated Mandela Day on two occasions – firstly by taking part in the provincial-wide surgical marathon and secondly, to spruce up their hospital.

The Gauteng Department of Health announced this year that to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, they pledged to perform 700 surgeries and more to reduce the surgical backlog in the province. These surgeries were performed at various hospitals across Gauteng.

This included major breakthrough surgeries like the first heart surgery at Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital and brain surgical procedures at Sebokeng Regional Hospital among others.

It was also the first of many surgical marathons that are planned. Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital did not shy away from the challenge and completed all four surgeries that were assigned to them during the surgical marathon.

Acting CEO of the hospital, Tsebo Litheko explained that the marathon exceeded their goal by doing 722 surgeries.

The province planned 60 facial surgeries, 31 dental surgeries, 118 general surgeries, 66 gynecological surgeries, 297 ophthalmology surgeries, 57 orthopedics surgeries, 33 ear, nose and throat surgeries, 15 endocrinology surgeries, 48 urology surgeries, 20 plastic surgeries, and 20 private surgeries.

General surgery consultant Dr Tamaz Gvilia visited the hospital to assist with the four hernia surgeries that were scheduled for the hospital on July 18. Dr Gvilia said that all their patients were male and the operations would take three hours to complete.

“We are happy to support the hospital to do these operations,” he said.

Dr Tendani Mutambayi also assisted with the surgeries and explained that hernias happen when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall.

Litheke added that they are elated to have contributed towards the target set by the province.

“We have helped eased the burden on people who had to be given a new lease on life.”

Then on July 28 the rest of the hospital’s employees also had their 67 minutes of Mandela Day. Litheko explained that they focused on areas that they do not get to on a day-to-day basis and they know that these are parts where there are shortcomings.

The staff helped sort out the hospital’s files, and the linen room, painted the emergency services section, cleaned up the garden, and helped out in the wards. Afterward, all the staff were invited to a braai.

“Mandela Day means a lot for the hospital. If you recall during the previous political dispensation, Africans and those of black descent were not allowed these services. For us, it is the emancipated spirit of humanity that people are now served on an equal basis and that this hospital is now more representative of any other race in this country.”

Litheko said they want to sustain what they had started for Mandela Day and that they have been identified as a hospital that needs assistance as far as infrastructure is concerned. They are looking at repainting the hospital, fix the heating system and the steam for the patients in the wards.

“We want to move forward and continue to keep the spirit of Madiba alive by assisting others. We are here to serve, inspire and promote the spirit of Ubuntu. We want everyone to know that I am because you are and because you are therefore I am. As health workers, we need to be seen serving with a smile, caring for people, and following the principles of Batho Pele. Once people are in a cared environment they heal quicker and get better.”