“Vodacom’s support of Smile Week reaffirms our commitment as a company to use our capabilities collaboratively for a brighter, more inclusive future.” said, Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO. Reconstructive surgery can not only help children overcome physical difficulties but also the emotional pain of being different, which prevents them from enjoying their childhood.
Smile Week addresses the physical challenges faced by these young people and alleviates the emotional distress associated with feeling different, enabling them to embrace their lives to the fullest. This year marks Vodacom’s 30th anniversary, a good time to reflect on the dramatic change in the countries in which we operate. What is so rewarding for our staff and leadership at all our markets is how we have made a meaningful difference to people’s lives, not only through the connectivity that we provide, but also through our purpose to create a better future, for communities and countries across Africa.
Specialist medical treatment
Orofacial cleft lip/palate (CLP) remains in the top five of South Africa’s most common congenital disorders. Smile Week sees surgeons, their surgical teams and other medical professionals around the country dedicate their time and expertise to perform reconstructive surgery on children whose families would not otherwise have been able to afford it. “Families invariably find their way to state hospital facilities, where there are very capable and competent surgeons and medical professionals, but budget constraints have often meant elective surgery has to wait before more critical cases are addressed,” says Marc Lubner, founder and Executive Chairman of the Smile Foundation.
To date, the partnership between Vodacom and the Smile Foundation has benefited 600 children, with the shared goal of enhancing their overall quality of life and well-being. “I want to thank all the medical professionals for being partners with us since 2007, and for giving their time and commitment to make this a reality,” says Shameel. “Vodacom’s support of Smile Week reaffirms our commitment as a company to use our capabilities collaboratively for a brighter, more inclusive future.”
More about the Smile Foundation
The Smile Foundation was founded in 2000 in South Africa through a partnership between former President Nelson Mandela and Marc Lubner, a Johannesburg businessman. Inspired by Mandela’s belief in the power of children to shape the nation’s future, the Smile Foundation has since provided over 5 400 disadvantaged children with corrective surgery for conditions such as CLP and burns.
The Foundation, which operates in 13 leading South African hospitals, invests in development programmes and essential medical equipment, bringing hope and joy to children in need through the dedication of its benefactors and medical teams.
