This is according to MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of the Free State, during the official launch of this groundbreaking technology on 11 March in the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences. The university and the province are now the first in Southern Africa to make use of the Versius Surgical Robotic System, having already completed nine successful robotic-assisted cases at the Universitas Academic Hospital in the past month.

The procedures completed from 24 February to 6 March 2025, including radical prostatectomies and cholecystectomies, showcase the potential of this technology to enhance patient outcomes. Prof Freddie Claassen, Academic Head of the Department of Urology at the UFS and the Universitas Hospital, was one of the first surgeons from the UFS to undergo training and operate using the system.

Significant milestone

"This moment marks a significant milestone not only for our beloved Free State, but for the entire health-care landscape in Southern Africa. We are not merely launching a new technology; we are embarking on a journey that will transform the future of surgery and patient care in our province and beyond."

"The introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System is a testament to our vision of positioning the Free State as a province of unique firsts – an innovator in health-care technology and a centre of excellence in Southern Africa. With this groundbreaking system, we are not only enhancing surgical precision, but also significantly improving patient outcomes," said Letsoha-Mathae.

Versius is a versatile and adaptable surgical robot that can seamlessly integrate into any operating room. The Versius Robotic Surgery System can be used in top speciality procedures, including thoracic, colorectal, general and upper gastrointestinal, hernia, gynaecology, and urology.

Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said with the launch, the university continues to bridge the gap between technology and biology to serve humanity. The UFS is shaping the future of health-care education, engaged scholarship, and innovation in Southern Africa.

"This moment is not just a technological milestone, but a symbol of what we can achieve as an institution when we unite academic excellence, visionary leadership, and a commitment to community impact with partners in the private sector and government."

"As we launch the Versius Surgical Robotic System, we are not only celebrating the latest advancement in surgical technology but also reaffirming the University of the Free State's continuing commitment to academic excellence, technological innovation, and societal impact," said Prof Klopper.

According to her, the institution is committed to addressing some of the most pressing health-care challenges, both within our region and beyond. Versius is an investment in the well-being of our communities and an essential step towards bridging the health-care gap in our region.

Robotic surgery

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation of the UFS, said robots such as the Versius Robotic System are tools that enhance the senses and skills of surgeons during delicate operations. The robots encountered in modern hospitals are designed to assist, heal, and improve the quality of life. Robotic surgery has already improved outcomes for countless patients by enabling minimally invasive procedures.

"Unlike traditional surgery, which requires large incisions, robotic surgery enables doctors to perform operations with smaller cuts, reduced pain, and less scarring. The robotic systems allow surgeons to manoeuvre instruments in ways that human hands simply cannot."

"With robotic surgery, surgeons can now perform procedures with greater precision and accuracy, decreasing the chances of complications. The robots do not tire, they do not lose focus, and they can handle repetitive tasks with ease, making the entire process safer for patients. The evolution of AI and robotics in medicine raises many questions," said Prof Reddy.

Prof Reddy continued by saying that the future is where human innovation and machine precision work together and help to elevate the standard of care, rather than replacing the human in medicine. This system will also allow for greater research opportunities in many fields – from the obvious surgical outcomes, to training, and even more complex research topics such as responses to surgery.

The Impact of Versius

According to Premier Letsoha-Mathae, the introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System is a testament to their vision of positioning the Free State as a province of unique firsts – an innovator in health-care technology and a centre of excellence in Southern Africa.

With this groundbreaking system, we are not only enhancing surgical precision, but also significantly improving patient outcomes. The benefits of Versius are profound: patients will experience quicker recoveries and an earlier return to work, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive society.

Moreover, the Versius system is designed with mobility and accessibility in mind. Its modular and scalable design allows it to fit seamlessly into any operating room without the need for major infrastructure changes. This adaptability ensures that we can expand access to robotic-assisted surgery across both private and state health-care sectors, thereby closing the gap in health-care delivery.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with the UFS, is reinforcing a commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and community engagement through the introduction of this technology. The Versius system embodies the collective goal of addressing regional and global challenges, particularly in health care and technology.

Oliver Goldberg, Group CEO for Marcus Medical; Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation of the UFS; Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal; MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of the Free State; Monyatso Mahlatsi, MEC for Health; and Prof Gert Coetzee, Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences.

MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of the Free State; Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal; and Masechaba Sesing, HOD: Department of Health.