04/05/2026
[PICS] It is Smile Week, and our Ward 2 staff are busy preparing to admit the first group of children scheduled for life-changing reconstructive surgeries. Among them is five-year-old Mpho Malatsi from Kgabalatsane, who is scheduled for her procedure tomorrow. Her mother, Sherol, shared the "roller coaster of emotions" she is experiencing ahead of the surgery, noting her hope that her daughter will finally live a life free from bullying.
Born in 2021, Mpho underwent her first cleft lip reconstruction surgery at just four months old. However, as she has grown, a second surgery has become necessary. Sherol recounted the challenges they faced following Mpho’s birth: "Before she was born, the doctor told me they couldn't see her nose and mouth clearly, which really worried me. When she was born, I was shocked and struggled with acceptance. Even breastfeeding was a struggle". Sherol admitted that, in those early days, she would often hide Mpho’s face when taking her for immunisations. However, her love quickly overcame her fear, and she fully accepted her daughter even before that first operation.
While Sherol feels the natural nerves of a parent, she is at peace knowing this surgery will protect Mpho from the bullying she already faces."I am anxious, but I’m at peace knowing they will help her. She won't have to face bullying from her schoolmates anymore”.