​Thuso Montwedi
 
In a bold step to fast-track access to surgical care and improve patient dignity, the Gauteng Department of Health officially launched its pioneering Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs) on Nelson Mandela Day (July 18) .
The new TTGs system will ensure that every patient scheduled for surgery in Gauteng's public hospitals will receive a clear, guaranteed timeline for when their operation will be completed. This innovation aims to bring transparency and certainty to patients who often face anxiety over long waiting times.
Unveiled as part of the Mandela Day surgical campaign under the theme "It's Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity," this initiative reflects the department's commitment to human dignity and equitable healthcare. On Mandela Day, surgical teams across the province prioritised life-changing procedures such as cataract removals, prostate cancer surgeries, cleft palate repairs, and stoma reversals. These are all crucial interventions that restore independence, improve quality of life, and empower patients to return to their families and communities.
In her budget speech delivered on 15 July 2025, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, highlighted that the department has long battled surgical backlogs and worked tirelessly to clear them. While a waiting list is normal in any health system, the introduction of TTGs marks a shift from reactive to proactive care, ensuring that patients know when they can expect relief.
Internationally, similar guaranteed treatment time systems have shown positive results. For example, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) introduced maximum waiting time targets, providing patients with more predictable access to care. In Sweden, the "Care Guarantee" law sets specific time frames for treatment, which has led to increased patient satisfaction and more efficient resource use. 
These models demonstrate how clear timelines can strengthen trust in public health systems. For patients in Gauteng, this means no longer waiting in uncertainty. 
Cataract surgery could mean regaining sight and returning to work; a cleft palate repair can restore a child's smile and confidence; a stoma reversal can help a person regain freedom in daily activities. Families, too, will benefit as they witness their loved ones reclaim their independence and dignity. 
"As Gauteng continues to lead in health innovation, the introduction of TTGs sets a new standard for patient-centered care in South Africa. It is a powerful testament that through compassion, planning, and transparency, public health can restore hope, one operation, one patient, and one family at a time," explained the MEC.