In an inspiring feat of medical dedication, Gauteng public hospitals shattered records by performing a staggering 806 surgical procedures in just 12 hours on Mandela Day—Friday, 18 July 2025. This initiative marks the third edition of the Mandela Day Surgical Marathon, an annual campaign that’s becoming a cornerstone of hope for patients long stuck on surgical waiting lists.
This year’s figure surpasses last year’s total of 742, and the surgical momentum isn’t slowing down. According to the Gauteng Department of Health, the marathon will continue until end of July, proving that Mandela Day is no longer just symbolic—it’s becoming life-changing.
“Each year we surpass the target of the previous one. We strive to do more to make a difference,” said MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, praising the tireless work of the province’s healthcare workers.
From cataract surgeries and cleft palate repairs to colostomy reversals and prostate procedures, the operations aimed at restoring not only health—but dignity and independence—to hundreds of patients.
But the biggest breakthrough wasn’t just in numbers.
For the first time in South Africa, Gauteng introduced a Treatment Time Guarantees (TTG) system—a revolutionary framework that sets maximum allowable waiting times for surgical procedures, tailored by urgency and clinical condition. This means patients will no longer be left languishing for years in queues for life-altering surgery.
“This is a historic step in transforming surgical care,” declared MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. “We’re leading the way in ensuring surgeries happen without unnecessary delays.”
The TTG system is inspired by global best practices and is aimed at:
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Cutting red tape in surgical access
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Boosting transparency
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Holding facilities accountable
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And most importantly, putting patients first
In addition to the surgical push, the province also celebrated the reopening of key hospital facilities, including:
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A newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, capable of safer prostate biopsies outside theatre.
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The upgraded Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Centre of Excellence, now equipped for faster, more accurate early breast cancer diagnosis.
Together, these advancements represent a health system in motion, striving to rewrite the script of public healthcare in Gauteng.
Do you think the Treatment Time Guarantee system should be implemented across all provinces in South Africa?
💬 Drop your comment below or vote in the quick poll!
Poll: Should SA roll out Treatment Time Guarantees nationwide?
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Yes, it’s long overdue
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Only if it’s properly funded
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No, one province at a time
Tags: Mandela Day 2025, Gauteng Health, 806 Surgeries, Surgical Marathon, Treatment Time Guarantees, Hospital Upgrades, SA Public Health, Breast Cancer, Prostate Health, Healthcare Reform SA
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Source: The Citizen
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