Mercy Ships South Africa

Mercy Ships South Africa Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978, bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, serving all people without regard for race or religion. Registration Number: 181-575 NPO

Mercy Ships is a global humanitarian organisation who uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has helped to transform the lives of more than 2.42 million people in the poorest countries of the world. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Together, we seek to bring hope and healing to the world’s poor one life, one community and one nation at a time.

For Dr. David Turay, being on board the felt like coming home. The Sierra Leonean American general surgeon volunteered...
12/03/2026

For Dr. David Turay, being on board the felt like coming home. The Sierra Leonean American general surgeon volunteered for two weeks.

“It’s an extra joy to be treating people who feel like your own family,” he said with a wide smile.

David valued connecting with patients in his mother-tongue languages during his rounds. “I didn’t realise how much this would impact them,” he reflected. “For them to look up and say, ‘This is one of our own. And he is a physician.’”

Mercy Ships could be your home too. Visit http://www.mercyships.co.za to learn more and get involved with our mission.



Photo Credit: Eugene Danso

When Tina arrived for treatment, her care was about more than correcting a foot.In Madagascar, Mercy Ships’ Clubfoot Men...
11/03/2026

When Tina arrived for treatment, her care was about more than correcting a foot.

In Madagascar, Mercy Ships’ Clubfoot Mentoring Project is strengthening local capacity to treat delayed-presenting clubfoot. Through hands-on mentoring, clinicians refine casting techniques, strengthen surgical decision-making, and build confidence that extends far beyond a single patient.

Tina’s journey included careful serial casting, thoughtful surgical planning, and rehabilitation. As she healed, Malagasy healthcare professionals were also growing in skill and leadership.

This is sustainable care in action. Patients receive treatment today, and health systems grow stronger for tomorrow.

Read the full story on our blog.

Deep inside the engine rooms and across every deck, partners and crew are hard at work maintaining and strengthening the...
10/03/2026

Deep inside the engine rooms and across every deck, partners and crew are hard at work maintaining and strengthening the .

From technical systems to structural upkeep, this behind-the-scenes effort ensures the ship is ready to safely serve thousands of patients in the next field service.

This is the work that makes the work possible.



Photo Credit: Sean Strech

Orthopedic patients often spend many weeks on board as they recover after surgery. Recently, the orthopedic team dreamed...
09/03/2026

Orthopedic patients often spend many weeks on board as they recover after surgery. Recently, the orthopedic team dreamed up a new way for the kids to experience life beyond the hospital ward, inviting them on a special “field trip” to the top deck aboard the to explore the ship in a whole new way.

The children sang, played, and enjoyed fresh ocean air as they discovered new spaces and shared joyful moments with crew.

“It was very special just to have fun and for it not to be about medical care. It was about spending time together and celebrating the new life that they have,” said Australian orthopedic team lead Pip Corry Thomas.

Here, healing can also look like friendship and fun.



Photo Credit: Eugene Danso

A painful toothache changed everything for Theogette. What began as a small bump grew into years of isolation, stigma, a...
08/03/2026

A painful toothache changed everything for Theogette. What began as a small bump grew into years of isolation, stigma, and a difficult journey as she raised her three children alone. After a three-day journey to the , surgery gave her the chance to return home with renewed strength and hope for the future.

Read her full story on the blog and see how are changing lives.

Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

The ward nurses in the Mercy Ships ICU work closely with patients alongside colleagues from dozens of nations in one of ...
07/03/2026

The ward nurses in the Mercy Ships ICU work closely with patients alongside colleagues from dozens of nations in one of the most unique hospitals in the world.

Come on board and find a community, a purpose, and the place you’ve been looking for. Ward Nurse (Adult ICU) | Volunteer Opportunities



Photo Credit: Benjamin Thielman

Hillary Cullen from New Zealand was only 16 years old when she first boarded a Mercy Ship, the Anastasis. The desire for...
07/03/2026

Hillary Cullen from New Zealand was only 16 years old when she first boarded a Mercy Ship, the Anastasis. The desire for service that was sown in her heart has since grown into a lifetime of devotion to God and service to others.

Now, freshly retired and 35 years later, she is back on board a Mercy Ship, serving as a volunteer orthopedic plaster technician on the . “God just opened the door, and I have complete peace about being here,” she shared.

Whether you are early in your career or stepping into a new season after retirement, your skills can make a difference. Visit https to learn more and get involved with our mission.


Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

In dry dock, preparation takes center stage.Engineers, technicians, and crew are investing time and skill into essential...
06/03/2026

In dry dock, preparation takes center stage.

Engineers, technicians, and crew are investing time and skill into essential maintenance across the . Every repaired system and inspected space plays a role in keeping a hospital ship operational and safe.



Photo Credit: Sean Strech

Twenty-five-year-old Jean Joseph grew up without access to medical care after a severe burn accident as an infant. Still...
05/03/2026

Twenty-five-year-old Jean Joseph grew up without access to medical care after a severe burn accident as an infant. Still, he kept asking questions. “I asked my parents when I was nine years old during dinner time, ‘When will my hands be healed?’” he said.

Their answer stayed with him: “Nothing is impossible for God.”

Years later, he heard about Mercy Ships on the radio, attended a screening, and received free, safe surgery on board the in Madagascar. Now he looks ahead to a future he hopes will include farming, marriage, and raising a family.



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

Mercy Ships CEO Dr Michelle White recently met with His Excellency Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, at th...
04/03/2026

Mercy Ships CEO Dr Michelle White recently met with His Excellency Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, at the Presidential Palace in Dakar to strengthen the long-term partnership between Mercy Ships and the Government of Senegal.

The visit builds on nearly a decade of collaboration and focused on deepening cooperation in support of national healthcare priorities, surgical system development, and medical capacity building.

Discussions also included the shared desire to see a Mercy Ships hospital ship return to Senegal as soon as feasible, alongside sustained training and infrastructure support.

Read more here: https://mercyships.co.za/mercy-ships-ceo-meets-president-of-senegal-to-strengthen-long-term-partnership/

Although Elysa’s umbilical hernia was not painful, her parents were troubled by the way other children laughed at her or...
03/03/2026

Although Elysa’s umbilical hernia was not painful, her parents were troubled by the way other children laughed at her or played with it, saying it was like a balloon under her clothes.

Thanks to the surgery she received aboard the , Elysa has been healed and can now play with her friends without fear.



Photo Credit: Henintsoa Rasolonjatovo

“Faly,” she said with a smile, a Malagasy word meaning “happy.”After a decade of stigma and struggle, Theogette’s journe...
02/03/2026

“Faly,” she said with a smile, a Malagasy word meaning “happy.”

After a decade of stigma and struggle, Theogette’s journey to the marked the beginning of a new chapter. Supported by a team of volunteers and fueled by her determination, she now returns home ready to embrace life with renewed strength.

Compassion, safe surgery, and community can change the course of a life. Be part of stories like hers. Volunteer today.



Photo Credit: Joshua Chau

Address

Unit 1, 80 Main Road, Lakeside
Cape Town
7945

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27788399985

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NPO Number: 181-575 NPO

PBO Number: 930060742 Mercy Ships is a global humanitarian organisation who uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has helped to transform the lives of more than 2.42 million people in the poorest countries of the world. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Together, we seek to bring hope and healing to the world’s poor one life, one community and one nation at a time.