In 2016 a group of registered surgeons in the private sector decided to launch a Mandela day initiative to honour the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela by operating on patients desperately awaiting surgery. The hope was that this small gesture would change the lives of a few people who primarily depend on the heavily burdened South African state hospitals for relief of pain and disability.

Since 2016, this initial one-week charity drive has expanded into a full-blown Non-Profit Company. In the past 7 years, more than 750 underprivileged patients have been given the opportunity to experience a new, fully functioning life by receiving life-changing surgery. By doing this, we empower them to be absorbed back into the working market as contributors to our country’s economy.

The procedures we perform are from various disciplines and include, but are not limited to, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, arthroplasty, general surgery, urology, gynaecology, ENT and plastic surgery for skin cancer excisions.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit South Africa, OHH - like so many institutions worldwide - had to adapt. Our funds were minimal, but the needs of our community remained great. Out of this need, our primary care projects were born.

Since 2020, 421 women were assisted with pap smears, contraceptives, and cancer treatment through our Women's Health Clinics while 180 patients were screened, and 122 pairs of glasses dispensed during our Eyecare Clinics.