Latest news with #SmileWeek
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Smile Foundation's 25 years of changing lives
What began with a mother's letter to Nelson Mandela has grown into a legacy of free life-changing surgeries, helping over 1 500 children smile with confidence. Smile Foundation director Marc Lubner, left, 17-month-old Zaylin Jantjies, with mother Amy, and the first beneficiary of the Smile Foundation Thando Manyathi. Picture: Michel Bega Twenty-five years ago, Thando Manyathi's mother wrote a letter to former president Nelson Mandela asking for help with her seven-year-old daughter's lower facial paralysis. Manyathi suffered from moebius syndrome, which left her without any facial expression. The beginning of the Smile Foundation Mandela reached out to philanthropist Marc Lubner, who at the time was with the Young Presidents' Organisation. The two intervened and after much research and investigation, decided rather than sending Manyathi overseas for surgery, it would be best to bring the world's leading surgeons to South Africa and, in turn, help train local medical professionals, which would see this become an ongoing effort. The face of a national legacy Today, Manyathi smiles readily and confidently holds a receptionist job at the Smile Foundation. After going through various medical procedures Manyathi completed a number of administrative courses and computer skills training programmes. She also worked through a number of different departments within the Smile Foundation and Lubner's other charity, Afrika Tikkun. Spending time in the presence of Manyathi, Lubner and his associates recognised that she possessed a lot of love and joy and realised that Manyathi would be ideally suited to being 'the face' of their company – at the helm of the front desk. Thousands of lives changed She is among about 1 500 beneficiaries of the Smile Foundation's 25 years of efforts to provide life-changing reconstructive surgery to underserved communities. This week, as part of Smile Week at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital where it all started 25 years ago, 14 children will receive surgeries that will give them new smiles, fresh confidence and a hope for the future. ALSO READ: Baby girl's life saved by surgery One mother's emotional journey to hope Among them is 17-month-old Zaylin Jantjies from Fochville, who is receiving cleft palate surgery. Mother Amy Jantjies said being a beneficiary of the Smile Foundation is life-changing. 'These operations are so expensive and I'm really grateful for them,' said Jantjies. When describing what it was like finding out her baby had a cleft palate at birth, Jantjies said: 'It was heartbreaking. It was traumatising. It felt like my world did crash. I lost a lot of weight.' Jantjies goes on to explain how the surgeries have not only helped Zaylin, but also her mental state as a mother. 'After Zaylin's first operation, I started gaining weight again. I feel like my heart is clean. I do still cry about this because it's heartbreaking but at the end of the day, it's also tears of joy because I never thought it was possible for her to become more beautiful than she already was to me. I'm relieved that now no-one will be able to tease her when she grows up.' Eleven-month-old Gorataone Modise and mom Kgothatso at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital during Smile Week. Picture: Michel Bega A mother's gratitude Lubner is quick to point out that the Smile Foundation is just a facilitator of this programme and that it's the surgeons at the hospital that deserve the recognition for their time and skills. Additionally, Lubner thanks the Vodacom Foundation that has supported the initiative from the start. Looking back over the 25 years, just before Mandela Day, Lubner recalls how he and Mandela's dream came true. 'This is proof of what's possible when people come together to make a difference, and it's just the beginning of the next chapter.' *Smile Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive health care for children and families affected by facial conditions and burns. NOW READ: Smile Foundation give little Caroline a reason to smile
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Smile Foundation celebrates 25 years back where it all began
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is filled with smiles this week as the Smile Foundation celebrates 25 years of giving hope to children through reconstructive surgery. From July 14 to 18, the hospital is hosting Smile Week, offering 14 life-changing procedures to young patients in need. This week is especially meaningful, as the very first Smile surgery took place at the hospital 25 years ago. Read more: Telkom Foundation continues Mandela's legacy through its work Marc Lubner, co-founder of the Smile Foundation, reflected on the milestone during a media day held on July 15. 'We are proud to return to where it all started. This journey has always been about care, dignity, and creating a country future generations will want to live in.' The foundation partners with hospitals to provide theatre time and aftercare for children, relying on trust and compassion, not cost. Long-time partner, Vodacom, has played a key role since 2007. Managing director Ridwaan Soomra shared: 'We believe in using technology to support social transformation. Together with the Smile Foundation, we are helping to build a better future.' The week is not just about surgeries; it is about stories, partnerships, and a shared commitment to making South Africa smile. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- The Citizen
Authorities raid property as crackdown on illegal occupation intensifies
A residential property in the suburb of Houghton Estate was officially shut down on June 18, following a co-ordinated raid by municipal authorities. This is part of a broader clampdown by the City of Johannesburg on illegal land use and unlawful property occupation. The operation was led by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). ♦️Happening Now♦️ 📍Houghton Estate Property Raid The premises have been officially marked for closure, with the remaining residents being processed and either deported or held for legal proceedings. The JMPD will maintain a monitoring presence to ensure no further illegal occupancy… — COJ People's MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) June 18, 2025 According to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the remaining occupants at the premises are either facing deportation or are being held for further legal proceedings. Also read: Smile Foundation changed 23 lives during Smile Week at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital The premise has been set for full closure, and JMPD officers will maintain a visible presence to prevent any attempts at reoccupation. City officials have not disclosed the total number of residents affected. Speaking on behalf of the city, the MMC Tshwaku emphasised the importance of citizen involvement in identifying similar violations. Read more: Local dad competes in Mr South Africa and advocates for orphans and vulnerable children 'We urge the public to play their part – spot illegal factories, unlawful property settlements, or major by-law infringements, and bring them to us,' said Tswaku. The city has not yet confirmed what the future use of the Houghton Estate property will be, but monitoring will remain in place until the legal closure process is finalised. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Smile Foundation give little Caroline a reason to smile
Caroline underwent a 14-hour life-changing surgery to help her smile at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital during Smile Week. Children enjoy a special puppet performance during Smile Week at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Joburg yesterday. Picture: Supplied Born with Moebius syndrome – a rare condition affecting facial nerves – which made her unable to express emotion – little Caroline, is looking forward to smiling. She was among 23 children who underwent life-changing surgery yesterday, thanks to the Smile Foundation. In marking Smile Week, the foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and several sponsors, forged a partnership geared at making life better for kids who had been unable to share a smile. Complex 14-hour surgery Complex facial reanimation surgery on Caroline was performed by top reconstructive surgeons Dr Dimitri Liakos and Prof Tim Christofides. The long procedure, which took up to 14 hours, was not only life-changing for Caroline, but also 'a key skills-sharing moment for young doctors observing the operation'. 'Smile Week is about more than just surgery, it's about restoring hope, dignity and opportunity for these children; and their families,' said Smile Foundation CEO Tarri Parfitt. ALSO READ: Born with a cleft palate: A guide to recovery from psychosomatic scars 'Deeply grateful' 'We are deeply grateful to Dr Julian Collis for the extraordinary legacy of care he built throughout his career and to the incredible medical teams who are giving so generously of their time and skill to make these miracles possible.' Parfitt said the Smile Foundation extended 'heartfelt thanks to the surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, hospital staff, donors and supporters whose collaboration makes Smile Week a beacon of hope for South African children'. According to global statistics, children are born every three minutes with a cleft lip or palate and face life-threatening health problems, bullying and isolation. Their difficulties include: Being unable to feed properly, leading to malnutrition and risk of death nine times higher; Speech difficulties; Struggling to be understood; Teeth growing at an angle – making chewing difficult; and Being shunned, mocked and teased. The Smile Foundation project, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Parktown, ends today. NOW READ: Mzansi meets Hollywood: Kris Jenner and Khanyi Mbau facelift secrets revealed
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Life-Changing surgeries: the stories behind Smile Week at Tygerberg Hospital
Malachi Bell Image: Supplied The Smile Foundation has once again brought hope, healing, and happiness to young patients during another successful Smile Week, which ran from 26 to 30 May at Tygerberg Hospital. Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Vodacom Foundation, and dedication of the Tygerberg surgical team, 13 children from underserved communities received life-changing reconstructive surgery—restoring not just appearances, but confidence and futures. Among the inspirational stories this week is five-year-old Malachi Bell, a courageous little boy born with scaphocephaly, a rare condition where the skull fuses prematurely, resulting in a long and narrow head shape. Beyond the visible differences, the condition can cause increased brain pressure and developmental complications. Sihaam Ahmed, 2, from Bellville is a beneficiary of the Smile Week and had a cleft lip repair on Monday. Image: Supplied Despite the stares and unkind words from others, Malachi—who is also a twin—has shown extraordinary strength, thriving both academically and emotionally. During Smile Week, he underwent cranial vault remodelling, a complex surgery that reshapes the skull, relieves pressure, and gives him the opportunity to face the world with renewed confidence. Malachi's mom Hildegard Bell said her heart is full. 'We feel relieved, happy and so grateful. We could see the difference immediately. Even with all the emotions we had before the operation we were reassured by everyone in the hospital that he was in good hands. 'We can truly say that our child was in good hands, the best in fact.' Yamihle Tom Image: Supplied Bell thanked everyone involved in making a big change in her boy's life and putting a smile on his face. 'Thank you to the medical team, the behind the scenes workers and the Smile foundation and Vodacom for making him smile throughout his experience before the operation.I can't stop crying tears of joy, I am really thankful.' Another remarkable patient is a 15-year-old Yamihle Tom born with microtia, a condition where the ear is underdeveloped or missing. Yamihle received reconstructive ear surgery using rib cartilage— a highly specialised procedure that not only restores physical appearance but also improves emotional well-being, particularly important during the formative teenage years. Adding to this year's successes, Tygerberg's medical team has embraced a new cleft lip repair technique pioneered by Dr Robert Mann from Michigan, a world-renowned craniofacial surgeon. This innovative approach not only improves the aesthetic results but significantly reduces recovery time, enabling children to smile, speak, and engage with the world sooner and with greater ease. Smile Foundation has credited the continued backing of the Vodacom Foundation as essential to the impact of this work. 'Our mission is to bring smiles, restore dignity, and change lives,' said Tarri Parfitt, CEO of Smile Foundation. 'Malachi's story, and those of many others this week, remind us of the real impact that partnerships and purpose can have.' The organisation also expressed heartfelt thanks to the surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, and hospital staff at Tygerberg Hospital for their exceptional dedication and compassion. [email protected] Weekend Argus
