Limpopo has marked a medical milestone after conjoined twin boys were successfully separated in a marathon surgery at Mankweng Hospital outside Polokwane, reports The Witness.

The twins, born on January 28, underwent an eight-hour operation yesterday led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, Head of Paediatric Surgery in the Limpopo Department of Health.

“When the babies were born, it was an emergency, and they were very sick, and we had to stabilise them,” said Tshifularo.

“Once stabilised, we conducted a thorough study to determine the nature of their connection so that we could approach the surgery with precision,” he said.

“This required a collective effort from multiple healthcare teams, including psychologists, nurses, dieticians, social workers, anaesthetists, registrars, and many others,” added Tshifularo.

For the twins’ parents, the experience has been nothing short of transformative.

“I was so scared when I first saw them,” the mother said.

“But the doctors gave all of us hope,” she adds.

“Today, I can hold each of my children separately. It feels like a miracle,” said the mother.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and MEC for Health Dieketseng Mashego visited Mankweng Hospital in the Capricorn District to support the team of clinicians who separated conjoined twins.

Ramathuba described the operation as a historic achievement for the province’s healthcare system.

“Today, we mark a remarkable milestone in our provincial healthcare journey,” said Ramathuba.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Tshifularo and his team on a successful separation of the conjoined twins

“Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team led by Prof Tshifularo, who dedicated their time and expertise to tackle this complex challenge,” the Presidency said.

“The operation represents a historic moment for Limpopo and South Africa’s public health care sector. For the first time in South Africa, a rural hospital has accomplished such a high-scale operation.”

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