In Mankweng, a team of doctors made history by successfully separating conjoined twin boys during an intricate eight-hour operation—the first procedure of its kind in Limpopo.
The surgery took place on 29 January and was led by paediatric surgeon Dr Nyaweleni Tshifularo. He explained that the situation was critical from birth:
“When the babies were born, it was an emergency. The first part was to optimise them to make sure they were well and alive,” he said during a media briefing.
Before performing the operation, the team undertook thorough preparations, including seven multidisciplinary meetings and several dry runs to ensure everything was in place. Tshifularo described how they secured the necessary support:
“Once all the steps were ticked, we went to the MEC and the premier and said: ‘Give us the staff and equipment, and we’ll do this.‘ They delivered, and we had no excuse. We knew what we needed to do, and we did it.”
The procedure was successful, with the twins separated and reported to be alive and recovering well. Tshifularo added that their mother “cried tears of joy” following the outcome.
Phophi Ramathuba commended the medical team, calling the achievement a major milestone for the province:
“This operation represents a historic moment for Limpopo. For the first time in South Africa, a rural hospital has accomplished such a high-scale operation,” she said.
She also emphasized the continued care required:
“We commend the collaboration. Following the separation, the plastic and reconstructive surgeons have to come in to close the skin, meaning our babies will have a beautiful scar.”
Ramathuba confirmed the twins’ condition following the surgery:
“Following the operations, the babies were fully separated and are currently in a stable condition with good hemodynamic status. They remain under close medical supervision in the neonatal intensive care unit.”
She added that support measures had been implemented to assist the family.
During the briefing, Cyril Ramaphosa phoned in to congratulate the team:
“The nation is filled with pride that at a rural hospital, you have succeeded,” he said.
“You are real miracle workers, and we’d like to thank you for that. So thank you very much. You are our heroes throughout the country.”
In a further development, Ramathuba officiated a sod-turning ceremony in Lulekani on Monday for the construction of a new home for the twins’ 29-year-old mother. The house is expected to be completed within two months, offering the family a fresh start after the successful surgery.
