How We Help

Delivering Care That Changes Lives

Delivering life-changing reconstructive care and support to children through a network of hospitals, specialists, and programmes across South Africa.

Supporting Every Step of the Journey

We provide life-changing reconstructive surgery and support for children with facial conditions and burns, working within South Africa’s public healthcare system to ensure access to specialised care.

How it works

Refer a Child

If you know of a child needing specialised reconstructive surgery or laser treatment , you can submit their details through our here or contact our team directly on 010 753 3034 or yanga@smilefoundationsa.org

Assessment

Each child is referred to a partner hospital, where they are assessed by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon we work with.

Treatment & Support

Children receive surgery, follow-up treatment and ongoing emotional support throughout their healing journey.

Conditions We Treat

Specialised Care For Facial Conditions

We support children living with a range of facial abnormalities that require specialised reconstructive care.

Our focus is not only on restoring physical function, but also on improving confidence and quality of life.

Cleft Lip

A cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth, affecting feeding and speech. It may occur with a cleft lip and usually requires multiple surgeries and speech therapy.

Cleft Palate

A cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth, affecting feeding and speech. It may occur with a cleft lip and usually requires multiple surgeries and speech therapy.

Burns

Severe burns, often from hot liquids or open flames, are common in South Africa. Treatment includes infection control, reconstructive surgery, and sometimes tissue expansion for skin repair.

Facial Paralysis / Moebius Syndrome

Facial paralysis limits movement on one or both sides of the face. It can be congenital or caused by trauma. In many cases, surgery can restore function and appearance.

Craniofacial Conditions

Craniosynostosis occurs when skull sutures close too early, causing abnormal growth and pressure on the brain. Surgery is needed to correct the shape and prevent complications.

Ear Deformities (Microtia/Anotia)

Microtia is an underdeveloped ear; Anotia is the complete absence of one. These conditions may affect one or both ears and are treated

Hand Abnormality

Hand conditions include differences or injuries that affect the structure, movement or function of a child’s hands. Reconstructive surgery can improve mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Support Programmes

Support Beyond Surgery

We support children and their families beyond surgery by providing access to psychosocial care and community-based support.

A community for burn survivors

Umatter, sponsored by Avela Foundation and coordinated by Tebogo Tsotetsi, supports families whose lives have been changed by burn injuries. It provides a safe, supportive space where children and caregivers can navigate the emotional impact of trauma with guidance, connection, and understanding.

Through counselling, shared experiences, and ongoing support during recovery, Umatter helps families process trauma, rebuild confidence, and find strength in community — ensuring no one faces the journey to healing alone.

For enquiries, please contact Tebogo Msotetsi: +27 82 847 6464

Parent-to-parent support

Cleft Friends is a parent-led support initiative within Smile Foundation, created by families who understand the experience of a cleft diagnosis. It offers reassurance, empathy, and shared experience — connecting parents with others who have walked a similar journey.

Through peer support and practical guidance, families are helped to navigate the emotional and medical aspects of care with greater confidence. Cleft Friends fosters a sense of belonging, ensuring no parent feels alone and every child is supported with love and optimism.

Community Gatherings

Events That Connect, Inspire,
and Give Back

We bring together communities, supporters, and families through initiatives that raise awareness, build connection, and support our work.

From national campaigns to local events, these moments create opportunities to engage, give back, and be part of something meaningful.

Smile Stories

Every Smile Has a Story

Behind every surgery is a story of resilience, hope, and transformation. Discover the journeys of children and families whose lives have been changed through care and support.