Urology Hospital offers free life-changing procedures for public patients this Mandela Month

Annually on July 18, individuals worldwide and across South Africa observe Nelson Mandela International Day by dedicating 67 minutes to acts of community service and kindness, honouring his remarkable legacy.

These 67 minutes commemorate each year of Mandela’s relentless struggle for justice, equality, and human rights.

However, at the Urology Hospital in Pretoria, a significant initiative is proving that Mandela Day can catalyse long-term change in men’s health, especially regarding prostate cancer treatment.

This Mandela Month, Urology Hospital in Pretoria, Africa’s only Urology Centre, is doing exactly that.

From July 14 to 18, the hospital’s doctors and staff will open their theatres to perform free life-changing urological procedures for men from public hospitals who have often been waiting for months for the chance to receive this level of care.

Now in its third consecutive year, the Mandela Week Surgical Marathon is a partnership between Urology Hospital and African Synergy Health (ASH), a non-profit organisation working to close South Africa’s healthcare gap.

Together, they are proving that Mandela Day is more than a moment; it can be a movement.

Why prostate cancer can’t wait

“Prostate cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among South African men,” explains Dr Dirk Ligthelm of Urology Hospital. 

“Many patients rely on the public sector and often wait a long time for specialised care. For us, using our skills to offer timely treatment during Mandela Week is deeply meaningful.”

Statistics from the National Cancer Registry show that prostate cancer accounts for around one in five of all male cancers diagnosed in the country. Early treatment can drastically improve outcomes, but access to urologists and modern technology is often out of reach for many.

That’s where Urology Hospital comes in.

With more than 12 years’ experience in robotic surgery and being the first in South Africa to introduce the da Vinci robotic system, the hospital combines advanced technology with a compassionate, patient-centred approach.

The road to free care: how patients are chosen

Some might wonder: can anyone walk in and get free treatment during Mandela Week?

The short answer is no. All patients are identified and referred by African Synergy Health, which works closely with public hospitals to find those who most urgently need urological procedures but have limited access.

“This ensures that help goes to those who truly need it most, says Dr Francois Boezaart of Urology Hospital. Our doctors feel deeply connected to this mission. Mandela Day is a chance to do what we do best, but for those who usually wouldn’t have the chance.”

Interested patients or referring clinicians must contact African Synergy Health directly to understand eligibility and referral processes.

What can patients expect: Healing with dignity

When selected patients arrive at Urology Hospital, they’re welcomed by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and support staff who treat every person with the respect, compassion, and attention they deserve.

• The process is smooth and supportive.
• Pre-operative assessments to ensure readiness.  
• State-of-the-art procedures (with 12 years of robotic surgery experience, the hospital was the first in South Africa to introduce the da Vinci robotic system).
• Personalised post-op care and follow-up, so healing continues long after Mandela Week ends.

While the Mandela Week Surgical Marathon spotlights this effort, giving back isn’t new for Urology Hospital.

Over the years, the hospital has supported multiple NGOs and community projects, showing that healthcare excellence and social responsibility can and should go hand in hand.

This is in line with a global shift in healthcare: more hospitals and clinics are realising that true wellness isn’t only about technology or skill, but also about empathy, access and advocacy.

“We can’t solve every challenge, but we can change someone’s life. And that’s worth doing.”