Mercy Ships South Africa

23/04/2026

For seven years, Alhassan carried a tumor that changed everything in his life. At just 10 years old, jaw pain turned into relentless growth. Classmates called him names, and eating became difficult. Still, he never stopped going to school, even when he had to hide during lunch or recess.

His mother, Rebecca, a widow raising seven children alone, could not afford treatment. When the arrived in Sierra Leone, he registered for care, was seen by volunteer doctors on board, and received surgery.

Today, Alhassan no longer hides and dreams of becoming a doctor.

22/04/2026

Recently, the Mercy Ships South African office had the privilege of stepping on board the Africa Mercy while she was docked in Durban Harbour for annual maintenance. For our full team, it was a meaningful opportunity to experience firsthand one of the ships at the heart of the mission we support every day. ⚓💙

From medical spaces to life on board, seeing the Africa Mercy in person reminded us that every volunteer, donor, and office team member plays a vital role in bringing hope and healing through safe, free surgery across Africa.

One of the highlights was meeting volunteers on board some of whom we recruit, support, and journey alongside from South Africa. It was truly lekker to meet you all and to connect with those preparing to serve, bringing their skills, hearts, and commitment as they ready themselves for the next field service.

“Motho ke motho ka batho.”
“Umuntu uyakhula lapho izandla zihlangana.”
“Saam dien ons ’n groter doel.”

21/04/2026

Did you know Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing to those in need for over 45 years?

Imagine this: someone who first heard about Mercy Ships as a child has now grown into a skilled, qualified adult—and is fulfilling a childhood dream by volunteering with us. Incredible, right? Stories like this are more common than you might think!

Whether you’ve known about Mercy Ships for years or are just learning about us now, there’s room for you to serve. Visit www.mercyships.co.za to get started today.

When did you first hear about Mercy Ships? Tell us in the comments!

20/04/2026

Not all heroes wear scrubs. Some carry toolkits.

Saving lives takes more than surgery. From carpenters to clinicians, it takes all kinds of skills to keep the mission moving.

Whatever your skill set, there’s a place for you here. Apply to volunteer: www.mercyships.co.za



Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

19/04/2026

For Timo, a volunteer electrician from Austria, no two days are the same on board the .

But what stays constant is the impact, lives being changed right in front of him. That’s what makes it meaningful.

Serving alongside his wife, Ines, he gets to experience the mission up close.

Ready to find your place on board? VisitVolunteer Opportunities - Find Your Place Onboard!

HopeandHealing

19/04/2026

Providing surgical care on a hospital ship requires more than the expertise of medical professionals.

“This maintenance work ensures the ship is running properly, enabling surgical care for our patients,” shared Moses Disi, a volunteer Able Seafarer Deck from Ghana.

We appreciate our technical teams, who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to keep our ships running and our mission going.



Photo credit: Romeo Urikeraka

18/04/2026

Ifaliana has always loved swimming. It was the one place that brought her comfort.

But as she grew older, an umbilical hernia made even that feel complicated. What should have been freedom became something to manage, to hide, to carry quietly.

After receiving surgery on board the , she is now looking ahead to life without that weight.

Read her story on our blog and see how access to safe surgery can change a child’s life.



Photo Credit: Henintsoa Rasolonjatovo

17/04/2026

Our volunteers do more than we can ever fully report or thank them for, all while wearing generous smiles. Maybe it’s the fulfillment of using their skills meaningfully, or the satisfaction of knowing their work is changing and saving lives.

Meet the dive team on board the . In addition to their primary responsibilities, these volunteers make time to meet the ship’s diving needs.

Each week, they go underwater to help ensure the ship’s safety and continued operation. Bravo, dive team!



Photo credit: Romeo Urikeraka

17/04/2026

Many wait for safe surgery. You can change that.

needs experienced General Surgeons to provide free life-changing procedures and mentor local teams.

Bring hope to those who’ve waited too long. Apply here: www.mercyships.co.za



Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

15/04/2026

14/04/2026

Leadership looks different up close.

The crew of the recently hosted Mercy Ships CEO Dr. Michelle White, who joined volunteers in worship, shared vision for the road ahead, and met patients at the heart of the work.

This mission is built on people, connection, and a shared purpose.



Photo Credit: Romeo Urikeraka

11/04/2026

🏅 Mercy Ships Volunteer Receives Humanitarian of the Year Award

We’re proud to celebrate Biomedical Specialist Deborah Geneugelijk‑Nutsugah, who was honored this week with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award at the Tech Choice Awards.

“Biomedical professionals are often invisible, but even the smallest technical issue can have serious consequences if equipment isn’t properly maintained,” Deborah shared—highlighting the critical role biomedical teams play in safe, effective healthcare.

This recognition comes alongside another exciting milestone, as Deborah steps into her new role as Biomedical Service Coordinator. During Mercy Ships’ upcoming mission, she and her twin sister will be serving their home country of Ghana.

“Returning to Ghana in this capacity is incredibly meaningful,” Deborah said. “To contribute to strengthening healthcare in the country where we grew up is both a privilege and a responsibility.”

🏆 Twice in a Row!

Did you know this marks the second consecutive year a Mercy Ships volunteer has received this award? Last year, Emmanuel Essah, Senior Biomedical Technician, was honored with the same recognition.

👏 Congratulations to Deborah and the entire Biomedical Team on this outstanding achievement!