John Kabare and Chwayita Bokana have both had their lives changed by a surgical procedure made possible by Operation Smile, a global non-profit with an office in Mowbray.
Mr Kabare, 37, of Bellville, was born with a cleft lift, and Ms Bokana, 24, of Khayelitsha, was born with a cleft palate, and both of them described last week, at a R126 000 donation handover from a car manufacturer, how their lives had improved after having reconstructive surgery.
“It was hard growing up as many children found that I was different,” recalled Ms Bokana.
She heard about Operation Smile South Africa in 2019, and, in 2021, she underwent reconstructive surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital. Now as a patient advocate for Operation Smile South Africa, she informs the community about the work it does.
“Many people have no knowledge that this kind of help is available, and I want them to know about it.”
Mr Kabare, who is originally from Rwanda, said: “It was hard growing up with a cleft lip as many children did not want to play with me, and I questioned why I was born this way.”
He came to South Africa in 2010 and initially worked as a car guard in Milnerton.
He then learnt about Operation Smile and had his reconstructive surgery in 2014 on an Italian medical ship that docked in Cape Town Harbour.
“It was so amazing going for this operation, it only took 45 minutes,” he said.
When he visited Rwanda in 2019 many of the people who knew him did not recognise him. “They were all shocked; I had to tell them who I am,” he said.
Operation Smile South Africa’s executive director, Sarah Scarth, said they supported hospitals and health services to provide access to specialised surgery, and Mr Kabare’s and Ms Bokana’s stories showed how important their work was.
“None of this work will be possible without the support of our generous donors,” she added.
Visit operationsmile.org.za or call 021 447 3608 for more information.
