The conjoined twin boys who captured the nation’s attention are doing well, the Limpopo Premier’s office has confirmed.
“We are pleased to report that the twins are in a stable condition and continue to show positive signs of recovery.”
The groundbreaking surgery at rural Mankweng Hospital successfully separated the boys, born on January 28, 2026, bringing Limpopo’s public healthcare system into the national spotlight.
The eight-hour operation, performed earlier this week, marking a first for the province, involved twins joined at the abdomen, making the procedure especially delicate.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi visited the hospital yesterday, alongside Premier Ramathuba and MEC for Health Ms Dieketseng Mashego, hailing the facility for carrying out the complex operation.
“If these babies had been treated in a private hospital, the cost would easily be between R3.5 million and R4.5 million,” Motsoaledi said. “Where would this family have found that kind of money?”
Speaking on behalf of Premier Phophi Ramathuba, spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha highlighted the significance of the achievement to the Saturday Star.
“This milestone clearly demonstrates that our public healthcare system possesses both the capacity and the capability to undertake highly complex medical procedures. It reflects the growing strength, resilience and advancement of healthcare services within the province,” Muavha said
He added that the operation is proof of long-term provincial strategies to attract and retain specialist medical professionals.
“This achievement is significant because it has saved lives and serves as clear evidence that the province’s strategic initiative to recruit and retain specialist medical professionals is now yielding tangible results. In previous years, such a highly specialised operation would not have been possible within the province, and the conjoined twins would have been referred to facilities outside the province. Today, we are proud to confirm that we can deliver such critical services locally,” Muavha said.
He also pointed to the leadership and mentorship that helped make the procedure possible.
“This success will undoubtedly strengthen public confidence in our provincial healthcare system. The presence and leadership of Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, Head of the Paediatric Unit, have been instrumental, particularly in mentoring and training a new generation of specialists. Through programmes such as the Rural Health Matters outreach campaign, the hospital has consistently demonstrated its ability to perform complex procedures. With a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising a wide range of medical specialists, we are confident that there are no limits to what we can achieve,” Muavha said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also congratulated the team of medical professionals.
“The operation represents a historic moment for Limpopo and South Africa’s public health care sector. For the first time in South Africa, a rural hospital has accomplished such a high-scale operation,” Ramaphosa said.
Motsoaledi also reflected on the broader challenges facing South Africa’s public healthcare system.
“We deprived public hospitals of facilities and resources. And started investing in private healthcare in the country. Where we believe in public hospitals, we have got people who are not knowledgeable. They are. This professor will have trained people who today are found in private hospitals. Coming from his hands. But when they arrive there, they find facilities. We always believe that’s where health is. Not from the trainer, but from the trainees, because they’ve got facilities now. We are fighting to change that. And Mankweng has been a pioneer in making us go through that,” he said.
Ramathuba earlier this week, announced plans to provide the family with a new home.
Saturday Star
Anita Nkonki
iol.co.za
