Picture: Tshepong/Klerksdorp Complex Hospital
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has welcomed another significant milestone in the advancement of specialised healthcare services following the successful performance of a complex Mitral Valve Replacement surgery at the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex (KTHC) on 11 June 2026. Lehari said the procedure which saved the life of a patient, Mosemanegape Jacobs (36) from Vryburg, marks a major breakthrough in the provision of highly specialised tertiary healthcare services within the province and further strengthens Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex’s position as a leading centre of clinical excellence.
He further said as the province prepares for the establishment and operationalisation of the Desmond Tutu Medical School, Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex is expected to play a central role as a primary teaching and training platform for future healthcare professionals. Lehari added that the successful execution of such highly specialised procedures demonstrates the growing clinical capacity and readiness of the institution to support advanced medical training and service delivery.
“Mitral Valve Replacement is a sophisticated cardiac surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged mitral valve with an artificial valve. The surgery is often required when the valve becomes narrowed or leaks, preventing efficient blood circulation and placing significant strain on the heart.
“Jacobs was initially assessed and prepared for surgery by the hospital’s cardiology team led by Dr Chiweza and Dr Zacharia. The five-hour operation was successfully performed by a multidisciplinary Cardiothoracic Surgery Team led by Dr Tumi Taunyane from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and the University of the Witwatersrand, together with Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr Manzini and Registrar Dr Walters,” he said.
Lehari said the anaesthetic team consisted of Dr Mallier, Dr Leeba and Dr Machabe, supported by experienced theatre nursing personnel and a wide range of support services. He said the patient is currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Tshepong Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition, fully conscious and successfully weaned off life-support systems.
“We would like to congratulate the medical team and described the achievement as a clear indication of the province’s commitment to expanding access to specialised healthcare services closer to communities.
“This successful operation represents much more than a medical breakthrough. It demonstrates the growing capacity of our public healthcare system to deliver highly specialised and life-saving interventions within the province,” said Lehari.
He said it is exactly the kind of progress they need as they prepare Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex to serve as a key training platform for the future Desmond Tutu Medical School. Lehari said they are building a healthcare system that not only treats patients, but also develops the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Most importantly, this achievement means that patients from areas such as Vryburg and other parts of the province can increasingly access advanced treatment closer to home, reducing the burden of travelling hundreds of kilometres to facilities outside the province,” he said.
The Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Specialised Services, Polaki Mokatsane said the procedure demonstrates the success of ongoing investments in specialised healthcare services and multidisciplinary clinical collaboration. Mokatsane said the successful completion of a complex cardiac surgery of this nature is evidence that their hospitals are steadily expanding their specialised service offerings.
“It reflects the dedication of our healthcare professionals, the effectiveness of our partnerships with centres of excellence, and the strategic investments being made to strengthen tertiary healthcare services in the North West province.
“Every milestone of this nature contributes to our broader objective of ensuring that patients receive quality specialised care within the province, while supporting the academic and training environment required for a modern medical school,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex, Thulane Madonsela, praised the collective efforts of all staff members involved in the patient’s care journey.
“This achievement belongs to every member of the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex family. From the cardiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses to the porters, clerks, perfusionists, radiographers, radiologists, health technology personnel and support staff, every individual played an important role in making this life-saving operation possible.
“At Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex, we do not simply replace heart valves; we restore lives, dignity and hope. We remain committed to providing compassionate, quality and patient-centred healthcare services to the people of the North West,” he said.
Madonsela said the department extends its appreciation to the surgical teams, support personnel and collaborating specialists whose expertise and commitment contributed to the successful outcome of the operation. He said the latest breakthrough further reinforces Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence capable of delivering advanced tertiary and specialised healthcare services while supporting the province’s vision of strengthening academic medicine and healthcare innovation.
The Guardian 