Al-Qalam 
During the weekend, starting 18 July and ending on Monday 20th, many health workers dedicated their precious time and service to restore vision for countless underprivileged, visually handicapped and aged persons. This unique challenge was carried out by none other than the Free Cataract Project.
On Monday 20 July 2026, the hall of the Nursing Section of Leratong Hospital on the West Rand was jam-packed with many recipients of new light from darkness, selfless health workers, ophthalmologists and their support staff, delegates from the Islamic Circle of South Africa, AWQAF SA, IMASA, Hospitals in the Gauteng Department of Health, University Students, Hospital staff, generous Muslim donors and every other person responsible for making the Free Cataract Project the unique South African possibility.
The presence of various dignitaries added hope and courage to the Cataract Project. Of note was the presence of the Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner, Dr Rabbani, who marveled at the Cataract Project by mentioning that through the visits of Madiba to Pakistan on two occasions, South Africa and Pakistan had forged a sincere friendship. Dr Khalid Mirza, also a guest from Pakistan, offered surgeons, technology and relevant resources to the people of South Africa in the future.
The former CEO of Leratong Hospital, Mr Dube, too, made his presence felt because he was the man who initiated the possibility of the Cataract Project at the health facility. This seed has germinated into the very success the Nelson Mandela Memorial Cataract Project has become at the Leratong Hospital and generally throughout the Gauteng Province.
The present CEO of the Hospital, Dr Itumeleng Molathlegi, too, was present with a message to the guests at the Discharge Ceremony.
At this juncture it certainly is noteworthy to comment on the success rate of the Nelson Mandela Memorial Cataract Project. During this Mandela Day Weekend, a total of 179 Cataract Operations were performed across Gauteng hospitals, which included Leratong, St John, Helen Joseph, Sebokeng, Thelle Mogorane, Steve Biko, Thembisa and others.
The total of free cataract operations performed to date in the province, with the active sponsorship and support of the Rainbow Sector of Surgeons and the Muslim community of South Africa, stands at 15 514, a remarkable and praiseworthy humanitarian service to the indigent people of our beautiful country.
Through the will of Almighty Allah, we pray that the count will grow. One of the guests at the Discharge Ceremony actually projected great optimism regarding Cataract operations in the coming days. The partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health and the Muslim Community of South Africa has indeed germinated into the true spirit of Ubuntu.
Ismail Suliman Mahomed
