KZN Urology Patients Benefit from African Synergy Health Mandela Week Surgical Marathon

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Dr Cindy Zietsman, Head of Urology at UKZN, announced a significant milestone at the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) segment of African Synergy Health’s (ASH) Mandela Week Surgical Marathon.

The event took place at the Victoria Mxenge Hospital/St Aidan’s Hospital Complex and marked the first public-private partnership of its kind in KZN, involving the KZN Department of Health (DoH), UKZN and ASH.

Procedures that ordinarily would have been prohibitively expensive for public sector patients were made accessible through powerful partnerships, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu - ‘I am because we are’. The surgical marathon achieved 115 procedures for 38 patients over five days, across nine theatre slates at the St Aidan’s facility. Three other provinces also participated in the initiative, with ASH Founder Dr Viola Morolo present to open the event. The long-term goal is to build an inclusive model involving the private sector and trade, with the ultimate aim of achieving ‘zero patient waiting lists’.

The marathon was the result of collaborative efforts by various stakeholders, including the DoH and UKZN’s Urology discipline, under the leadership of Zietsman. She described the outcomes as “absolutely phenomenal.” Zietsman praised her small, dedicated team for their commitment to realising Morolo’s vision, supported by the KZN Department of Health and UKZN leadership.

Urology involves the surgical treatment of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, urethra and male reproductive organs. Surgery addresses a wide range of conditions, from birth anomalies to cancer, infections and chronic diseases.

Acting CEO of St Aidan’s Hospital, Mr Brian Shezi, said there were approximately 600 patients on the urological surgery waiting list - “a matter of real concern to us.” A five-year memorandum of understanding has been signed with the KZN DoH and ASH to address this backlog, which is driven by a shortage of urology specialists in the province, particularly in the public sector.

“Access to private care comes at the hefty cost,” said Morolo who emphasised ASH’s commitment to eliminating waiting lists: “Our urological fraternity is determined to bring waiting lists to ashes!'”

At the launch, Morolo said: “The event aims to bring hope and healing to communities across Gauteng, North West, KZN and the Free State, and eventually the entire country, through the involvement of all surgical disciplines. This is made possible through the support of the National DoH and sponsors such as Urology Hospital, Medhold, Boston Scientific and NuAngle Wismed.”

Morolo highlighted that in alignment with the Nelson Mandela Day global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make a difference and change the world around them, the surgical marathon 2025 would conduct a wide spectrum of surgical procedures for public patients, including robot-assisted radical prostatectomies, with the vision of private hospital groups becoming a part of the team.

Zietsman added: “The most incredible part was the immense support we received from our management, the KZN DoH and UKZN, allowing us to reduce theatre waiting lists. This is the main aim of the outreach service, which we are deeply passionate about. She emphasised that urology training is a key focus of UKZN’s academic mission.”

A study titled: ‘The High Prevalence of Muscle Invasive Disease among Bladder Cancer Patients attending a Regional Hospital in Durban’ earned Dr Siphesihle Mbatha, Consultant Urologist at St Aidan’s Hospital, his Master of Medicine in Urology from UKZN.

“I am honoured to have been part of this extraordinary national humanitarian initiative,” said Mbatha.

“This effort embodies the spirit of service and solidarity, making a tangible difference in reducing the elective surgical waiting list and restoring hope to countless deserving patients.”

Mbatha said witnessing the commitment of every team member, the generosity of private companies, and the expertise of volunteer specialists were deeply inspiring. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this mission. It reminds me why we do what we do, and I’m proud to stand alongside such passionate changemakers,” he said.

The St Aidan’s Victoria Mxenge Hospital Complex offers urological services at the St Aidan’s site. It is envisioned that further surgical marathons will be held throughout the year to maintain the momentum of ASH’s Mandela Week initiative. “Strive constantly for excellence and the best care for all of KZN. Strive for zero waiting lists,” said Zietsman.

Dr Sivi Moodley, Acting Medical Manager at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, announced that the facility has been nominated for the 2025 African Health Excellence Awards under the category ‘Health Institution of the Year’. This award honours healthcare institutions that consistently uphold high standards of patient care, implement innovative practices and contribute meaningfully to healthcare in their communities.

“We are honoured to form part of excellence in service,” said Zietsman. 

Words and photographs: Lunga Memela