In a groundbreaking Mandela Day initiative, non-profit organisation Project Flamingo performed nearly 40 life-saving breast cancer surgeries on Saturday, 19 July 2025 — marking its largest single-day intervention to date.
The surgeries took place simultaneously across five public hospitals in the Western and Eastern Cape, including Groote Schuur Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, George Regional Hospital, Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. The project formed part of Project Flamingo’s Make Room for Her campaign, aimed at tackling South Africa’s growing breast cancer treatment backlog.
Founded to close critical gaps in cancer care within the public health sector, Project Flamingo has now completed over 1,800 surgeries by mobilising volunteer doctors and anaesthetists, supported by nursing teams and essential resources funded by the organisation.
“This Mandela Day, we didn’t just commemorate a great man — we changed lives,” said Dr Liana Roodt, Project Flamingo CEO and Founder. “We created space for women to be heard, treated, and to reclaim their health and dignity.”
As breast cancer continues to affect 1 in 8 women globally, delays in diagnosis and treatment within South Africa’s overstretched public healthcare system remain a national concern. The Make Room for Her campaign responds directly to these challenges, offering timely, dignified care to women who might otherwise face months of waiting.
“Cancer care should never be left to chance,” said COO Lou Stone. “Every delay in diagnostics or treatment has devastating emotional and physical consequences. Through this campaign, we are actively changing that reality.”
For former patient Megan Jane Jacobs, who underwent surgery during last year’s Mandela Day initiative, the impact was deeply personal.
“They didn’t just treat my diagnosis — they helped restore my womanhood and confidence. I was given a second chance at life,” she said.
Project Flamingo’s model goes beyond surgical intervention, encompassing emotional care, diagnostic support, and advocacy. The organisation operates by using available theatre space on weekends, transforming quiet hospital hours into opportunities for urgent care delivery.
As part of its continued expansion, Project Flamingo is calling on individuals, corporates, and funders to support the Make Room for Her campaign — ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to life-saving cancer treatment.
“This is how we honour Mandela — with action, compassion, and justice,” said Dr Roodt.
To learn more or contribute to the campaign, visit the Project Flamingo website.
