Ramaphosa hails historic twin separation in Limpopo

A rural public hospital in Limpopo just pulled off a conjoined-twin separation for the first time in South African history outside a major city.

Surgery details are remarkable

• Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo led the eight-hour-plus operation.
• Mankweng Hospital near Polokwane hosted the historic procedure.
• Both boys are stable and recovering in the NICU.
• They shared liver tissue, intestines, and blood vessels.

Timeline tracks from birth to separation

• The twins arrived on January 28 to a 29-year-old mother.
• Weeks of scans and consultations mapped their shared anatomy.
• Separation surgery happened on March 17, 2026.
• Their mom got referred to Mankweng from a smaller facility.

Political leaders lined up to praise

• Cyril Ramaphosa called it a significant healthcare milestone.
• Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba visited before and after surgery.
• Ramaphosa emphasized hope for resource-constrained environments.
• Ramathuba framed it as proof of what public healthcare achieves.

Bigger win for rural medical capability

• Conjoined separations typically happen only at specialized urban centers.
• Tshifularo already made headlines with groundbreaking ear transplants.
• Limpopo hospitals often catch flak for staffing shortages.
• This case could push more investment into provincial neonatal services.