This is according to Prof Anthea Rhoda, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, who was one of the speakers on Wednesday (23 July) at the announcement of this landmark initiative between the UFS, the Free State Department of Health, African Synergy Health (ASH), CMR Surgical, and Marcus Medical in honour of Nelson Mandela's iconic prison number – 46664.

This collaborative initiative, which will use the prison number for good, includes 4 surgeons performing 6 robotic procedures on 6 patients over 6 days across 4 specialities. The initiative forms part of the larger Mandela Week Surgical Marathon hosted by ASH, a registered not-for-profit, public benefit organisation established to alleviate surgical backlogs in the public sector and other African hospitals. It showcases the unique multidisciplinary robotic surgery capabilities located in the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein.

A bridge between knowledge and social transformation

The surgeries will be performed in the Universitas Academic Hospital in the following specialities: urology, hepato-pancreato-biliary, colorectal, and upper gastrointestinal/general surgery. The surgical team taking part in this initiative includes Dr Rebecca Fourie, Head of the UFS Department of Surgery; Frederik Claassen, Academic Head of the Department of Urology; Dr Willem Dahms, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the UFS Department of Urology; and Prof Colin Noel, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery.

"The responsibility (of building a just, sustainable, and humane society) also influences how we engage with our communities, recognising that our university does not exist in isolation, but as a bridge between knowledge and social transformation. It shapes how we view our role as educators and students in addressing the complex challenges our world faces.

"We believe that this initiative we are sharing with you today speaks directly to a growing societal dilemma. Robotic surgery is transforming modern health care and – in the hands of our skilled surgeons – enables precision, flexibility, and control beyond what was previously humanly possible," said Prof Rhoda.

According to her, robotic surgery has become a powerful tool to address health inequity, empower the public health-care system, and put healing, dignity, and justice in the hands of those who need it most.

Zero patients on elective surgery waiting lists

Dr Viola Morolo, founder and Director of ASH, said the company was birthed to address the exponential surgical waiting lists in public hospitals. As a surgeon, she felt that they were not delivering on the hope with which patients came to them.

"Having been exposed to this and turning patients away time after time, hearing on the news that there are so many patients on elective surgery waiting lists, as well as knowing that those numbers are actual patients – it was just a compelling call for me as a surgeon to think how the team and I can be part of the solution. How can we support the Department of Health."

"It has really been a pleasure to reach this point. We have a big vision: to have zero patients on elective surgery waiting lists. I remember when I had this idea, I was almost too shy to mention it as it felt like I was delusional, because how can you have zero patients on waiting lists? And today I say it confidently, because I know that we will reach that vision," she said.

According to Dr Morolo, their favourite quote from Nelson Mandela – "it always seems impossible until it's done" – is similar to their vision of it seeming impossible, but it will be done. "We believe we will achieve our vision by synergising both the private and public health-care resources." The company started with the surgical marathon surgeries in 2023 and within two years they have already helped 230 patients. Thus far in 2025, they have helped 322 patients in 22 days.

Direct and lasting impact

This initiative, according to Dr Balekile Mzangwa, CEO of Universitas Academic Hospital, will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most – patients who, thanks to this initiative, will receive life-changing, fully sponsored robotic surgeries.

"The Mandela Month Surgical Initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together as a community. Through this groundbreaking initiative, we have the unique opportunity to provide advanced surgical care to those who might otherwise go without it."

"What makes this initiative so special is that it takes place here at the Universitas Academic Hospital in the heart of Bloemfontein. We are truly honoured to host these surgeries, which will use cutting-edge robotic technology to transform the lives of six patients.  These surgeries represent a beacon of hope – a light for those whose lives will be transformed thanks to the generous partnerships we have formed for this initiative," said Dr Mzangwa.

He said Universitas is joining a growing national movement aimed at alleviating surgical backlogs and improving access to advanced health care.

Advancing health care

Dr Grace London, acting Deputy Director-General: Clinical Cluster, said the Free State Department of Health appreciates and recognises the importance of this initiative in alleviating surgical backlogs and improving patient outcomes. Said Dr London: "As we look to the future, our vision is to establish the Free State as a centre of excellence in health care. We are strategically located in the heart of South Africa, with vital connections to neighbouring provinces and the Kingdom of Lesotho. This positions us uniquely to attract medical tourism and provide high-quality health-care services."

"Our goal is ambitious but achievable. We aim to enhance our capacity to provide comprehensive health-care services, aligning with the University of the Free State's Vision 130, which seeks to extend its influence locally and globally. The government's role is to create an enabling environment for our citizens to thrive, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that meet community needs."

Marceleen Cilliers, Managing Director of Marcus Medical, who is the major sponsor for the surgeries, said they are committed to advancing health care and want to ensure that everyone has access to the latest technology. "We are happy to see that Universitas is one of the first public hospitals taking part in this ASH marathon and that the Versius robot could be utilised for this. The number (46664) has a symbolic meaning for us, and this is a very special project for Marcus Medical to be part of."

The UFS is the first public academic institution in the country to participate in these fully sponsored charitable robotic surgeries, which will take place between 21 and 28 July 2025.

Some members of the surgical team: from the left is Prof Frederik Claassen, Academic Head: UFS Department of Urology; Dr Rebecca Fourie, Academic Head of the UFS Department of General Surgery; Napho Mokake, professional nurse at the Universitas Academic Hospital Theatre; Hangiwe Ngeno, Operational Manager at the Universitas Academic Hospital Theatre; Atang Moahloli, enrolled nurse at the Universitas Academic Hospital Theatre; Mami Matsoso, auxiliary nursing assistant at the Universitas Academic Hospital Theatre; Natasha Geyser, Clinical Application Specialist: Robotic Surgery at Marcus Medical; and Dr Willem Dahms, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the UFS Department of Urology.