​Matlhatsi Dibakwane 
 
For 72-year-old Bafedile Maimane, the Nelson Mandela Surgical Marathon marked more than just another initiative at Leratong Hospital, it was the day she got her life back.
The Kagiso resident was one of 80 patients who received free cataract surgery at the regional hospital from Friday to Sunday. The initiative, aimed at restoring hope and livelhoods is a joint effort between the Gauteng Department of Health, Islamic Medical Association, AWQAF SA and other partners.
Maimane had been battling poor vision for over a year. Once an avid sewer and passionate Bible reader, she found herself slowly retreating from the activities that brought her joy.
"I have been struggling with my right eye for a long time. It would get red and irritated. I went from one pair of spectacles to another, but nothing helped," she said.
Her breaking point came when even her bedtime ritual became difficult.
"I'd take a torch and try to read one scripture before sleeping. Just one verse, so I could sleep peacefully. But I knew it was not good for my eyes. Still, it was the only way I felt close to God."
She first heard about Leratong's cataract surgeries from other elders in her community who had successful procedures. Encouraged by their testimonies, she made an appointment. After only three visits to the hospital, she was told she would be part of the Mandela Day surgery weekend.
"I was so happy. I don't even know how to thank God. I thought it would take months, they said I was in, and I could not believe it."
By Sunday morning (20 July), she had already felt the change. "I took the patch off my eye, and I could see again. No pain. I slept beautifully. Leratong Hospital is the best. The staff and their humility, how everyone does their job so carefully, so beautifully. I've been watching them since I got to the hospital," she said.
The camp at Leratong wasn't just about eye surgeries. Orthopaedics completed nine arthroplasties. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology team delivered 12 babies via caesarean section. General Surgeons performed two operations at Leratong Hospital and five hernia repairs at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital. ENT specialists completed 13 tonsillectomies in two days at Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital. 
Maimane's story brings the impact home. The surgery will ensure that she gets back to the things she loves doing once more. 
"I have machines at home, I sew with an overlock and with my hands. I miss that. I miss reading. I used to sit after cleaning and just read the Bible. Lately, I just sat there, looking into space. Now, I'll sew again. I'll read again," said the 72-year-old.