Smile Week celebrates healing and mobility at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
This May, Smile Foundation highlights the critical importance of both burn prevention and long-term rehabilitation.
This week, the wards of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital are being transformed by more than surgery alone.
Through Smile Foundation’s Smile Week, children are receiving life-changing cleft repairs and advanced burns treatment, alongside moments of joy made possible with the support of Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels.
Read more: A swing of belonging brings joy to Parkview Park
In honour of celebrating mobility, this Smile Week highlights both the physical mobility restored through reconstructive surgery and burn rehabilitation, and the confidence and emotional healing children discover throughout their journeys.
Present for the Smile Week media day at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, on May 15, was a shy but strong little girl, Trinity Matsotso. Trinity sustained severe burn injuries at the age of five when a pot of hot water fell from the stove onto her legs, arms, and behind.
After undergoing multiple procedures and skin grafts at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Trinity recently received her first laser treatment for burn scarring as part of this Smile Week programme.
Bheki Sithole, her father, who has been a constant source of support throughout her journey, described the laser machine as a miracle machine, overjoyed for her to finally receive the treatment.
As May marks burn awareness month in South Africa, this Smile Week also highlights the critical importance of both burn prevention and long -term rehabilitation.
Also read: Highlands North community unites for suicide prevention and awareness
In addition, Smile Foundation, through its Umatter programme, continues to drive burn prevention education within schools and communities, alongside the Avela Foundation, equipping families with practical safety knowledge aimed at reducing preventable childhood burn injuries.
“Burn injuries not only affect the skin, they impact mobility, confidence, mental health, family dynamics, and childhood itself,” said Moira Gerszt, Director at Smile Foundation.
“Through prevention education, psychosocial support, and access to specialised care, we aim to walk alongside children and families throughout every stage of healing, helping communities create safer environments for children.”
The day ended with performances from the Johannesburg Ballet Company, who entertained patients, families, and staff.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
