POLOKWANE – Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, in partnership with the Smile Foundation, launched the Mankweng Smile Weekend on Friday, a surgical initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of children living with cleft lip and palate conditions in the province.

Held under the theme ‘Every child deserves a smile’, the three-day programme, sponsored by Milky Lane, brought together a team of expert surgeons, nurses and specialists who performed reconstructive surgeries on more than 30 children at Mankweng Hospital.

During the launch, the MEC emphasised the importance of early treatment and raising public awareness about cleft conditions.

She noted that many children continue to suffer in silence due to the lack of information, stigma and limited access to specialised care.

“Cleft lip and palate are treatable conditions, and when corrected early, children can grow and socialise without barriers,” Mashego said.

She praised the partnership and urged communities to identify children with untreated cleft conditions and bring them to benefit from surgical outreach programmes.

“No child should be denied the chance to smile, speak clearly, or feel proud of their reflection. Early treatment changes lives, restores confidence and gives the simple joy of being able to smile,” she added.

Mankweng Hospital CEO, Monene Mogashoa, expressed gratitude for the partnership and called on parents and caregivers to bring their children for assessment and treatment.

“Many children suffer from low self-esteem due to these conditions. After surgery, they regain confidence and are able to live freely,” she said.

Smile Foundation COO, Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, described the weekend as a milestone for Limpopo’s public health system.

“It is a huge achievement that more than 30 children will receive life-changing operations. We look forward to expanding the partnership to reach more hospitals across the country,” she said.

Parents in the ward expressed heartfelt emotions and gratitude to the MEC, CEO, COO, surgeons, doctors and nurses.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was born with a cleft lip and underwent the same operation 29 years ago. Today my son is going through the same procedure, and I have hope he will be okay and return to his normal life.”