Nineteen young children who unfortunately suffer from craniofacial anomalies were happy beneficiaries of corrective surgery through the Johannesburg Craniofacial Programme, supported by Vodacom and Netcare. The operations will go a long way towards affording them a chance to enjoy happy and healthy lives.

Their stories, and the accounts of how a series of complex operations have restored their lives, were highlighted today at a briefing at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg, attended by players from the Vodacom Blue Bulls, as part of Vodacom’s Tries for Smiles campaign.

The briefing was followed by a tour of the children’s ward of the hospital, during which the excited young craniofacial patients were introduced to their sporting heroes where rugby balls were signed as mementos for the children. The players also interacted with beneficiaries of another Vodacom supported programme, the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa (WSPCCA), which provides cardiac surgery to disadvantaged children.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, remarked: “Vodacom is pleased to be invited to the programme and contribute to providing affected children a chance to enjoy fuller lives.”

Johan Holder, General Manager of Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, points out that this joint Netcare and Vodacom initiative extends a helping hand to families and individuals who otherwise would have had no access to treatment for these rare and crippling anomalies.

“Everyone involved in the programme has been inspired by the difference that the surgery has made to the quality of life these young patients. From the talented medical team, to the nursing and support staff we have all been deeply touched by these children. It is wonderful to know that they can go home to completely new lives after their surgery has been completed. This project has truly provided a ray of hope to children and their families who are affected by conditions such as these.”

It is estimated that one baby in every two thousand is born with craniofacial anomalies. Many are hidden away from society by their families and tragically grow up in isolation and seclusion.

Craniofacial conditions are very intricate and can be caused by various kinds of syndromes, abnormal growths or birth defects. This condition affects the soft tissue and bones of the face and skull causing disfigurement.

Depending on the complexity of the surgeries, children can be in hospital for many months undergoing from four up to seven corrective operations.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Oupa Mathebula, previously lived in trauma and isolation because of the benign growth that deformed his face. After his successful surgeries, he returned home as a hero of his community and bearer of hope for many children who have craniofacial anomalies and do not have the means to pay for medical treatment.

This joint programme between Vodacom and Netcare extends a helping hand to families and individuals who otherwise would not have been able to access such medical services.

A specialist medical team, including two plastic and reconstructive surgeons, two anaesthetists, a maxillofacial surgeon, a neurosurgeon, a paediatrician and a social worker, are required to conduct the series of surgeries.

Their dedication and specialised skills ensure that these young people are transformed into normal, healthy children, able to grow and learn within their communities.

Since the programme’s inception in 2008, Vodacom has contributed a total of R1.6-million towards the craniofacial programme. The contribution includes R200 000 donated as part of Vodacom Foundation’s tenth birthday celebration in October 2009.

The Johannesburg Craniofacial Programme is one of the beneficiaries of Vodacom’s innovative ‘Tries for Smiles’ campaign that has successfully linked the company’s rugby sponsorships to its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme.

For every try scored by a South African team in South Africa during Vodacom-sponsored rugby tournaments, the Vodacom Foundation donates R25 000 to three beneficiaries for the purposes of providing corrective surgery for children with facial, craniofacial and heart anomalies.

Other beneficiaries of the campaign include The Smile Foundation, Netcare Vodacom Smiles for You Programme and The Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa.

* The Vodacom Foundation was established in 1999 as the main vehicle for coordinating Vodacom's Corporate Social Investments. Since then, the Foundation has invested some R500 million to uplift and improve communities. The Foundation's vision is to give life to the Vodacom Group's commitment to explore opportunities available to share the company's successes with communities who have helped achieve them. Its focus is to enhance the quality of life of vulnerable people, with special emphasis on the application of information and communication technology to address challenges in education, health and security.