By: Sthabile Ntsele
In celebration of Mandela Week, a private hospital stepped in to support the community by hosting a Surgical Marathon at Cure day Hospital on 13 July 2026, offering free surgeries and medication to patients from public hospitals.
The initiative is part of the hospital’s giving back to the community drive, aimed at easing the pressure on public healthcare facilities that are struggling with long waiting lists and limited resources.
According to organizer, Pearl Ramakau, Marketing Officer many patients referred from public hospitals have been waiting months, and in some cases years, for essential procedures. Through the marathon, selected patients were able to receive treatment immediately, at no cost.
She says “it’s to live out one of their core values, compassion and giving back to the community, the partnership also supports a Private Public Partnership, or PPP. The goal is to help address the long waiting lists and blockages in government hospitals by playing a part in reducing the backlog”.
Felicia Raselomane, Dr Mmatseleng Morolo and Pearl Ramakau
By: Sthabile Ntsele
Doctors, nurses, theatre staff and volunteers from the private hospital worked together throughout the day to perform multiple surgeries. The goal is to help as many patients as possible during Mandela Week while ensuring quality care and patient safety.
“The focus for the day is on “mini sling” procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence in patients who suffer from urine leakage and struggle with daily activities. She explains that this especially affects younger patients and impacts their ability to work normally, other procedures planned for the week include circumcisions and bilateral orchidectomies for prostate cancer patients,” said Dr Mmatseleng Morolo the CEO of African Synergy Health and Urologist.
Dr Mmatseleng Morolo and her team in the theatre with the patient.
By: Sthabile Ntsele
Hospital management said the partnership with Cure Day Hospital was intentional to bridge the gap between private resources and public need. By opening up facilities and staff, the private hospital hopes to contribute to reducing surgical backlogs and improving patient outcomes.
“As part of the initiative, Cure Day Hospitals is providing its theatre, staff, and facilities to help the ASH Foundation work toward its goal. The goal of the project is to give back to the community and improve community health,” said Felicia Raselomane the Hospital Manager.
The hospital says it plans to continue exploring more community outreach programs beyond Mandela Week, with a focus on sustainable partnerships that support public health.
Cure day Hospital staff members
By: Sthabile Ntsele
As South Africa commemorates 67 minutes of service, this Surgical Marathon stands as a powerful example of how collaboration between private and public health sectors can bring real change to people’s lives.
