By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Ermelo Hospital, in the Gert Sibande District, received a visit from Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, as part of her support for the Cataract Marathon Campaign on Friday 10 October 2025.
According to the Department of Health, the campaign started on 6 October 2025, and it’s geared towards significantly reducing the backlog of patients awaiting cataract surgeries.
In her address during the event, MEC Manzini presented the Department’s position regarding cataract operations and equally extended her appreciation for the work of health professionals in conducting the life-changing surgeries.
Manzini said the Department is focused and resolute on living up to its vision of ensuring a healthy developed society, as well as advancing the government’s priority of investing in the citizens.
The MEC was also pleased to announced that Ermelo Hospital currently has no backlog in cataract operations, and believes that this achievement is a practical demonstration of a commitment by the Department towards delivering the best healthcare services possible.
“The primary goal of the campaign is to accelerate service provision, and subsequently clear the waiting lists for cataract surgeries, thus preventing vision impairment and restoring
eyesight. It is significant to roll out this programme because it goes a long way in improving the quality of lives of the patients,” said MEC Manzini.
eyesight. It is significant to roll out this programme because it goes a long way in improving the quality of lives of the patients,” said MEC Manzini.
