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Smile Week: Free State boy with burn wounds excited to move his neck

───   ZENANDE MPAME 06:00 Wed, 19 Feb 2025

Smile Week: Free State boy with burn wounds excited to move his neck | News Article
Kananelo Mokoena from Phuthaditjhaba excited to move his neck. Photo: Zenande Mpame

Smile Week is back, bringing life-changing reconstructive surgeries to 17 children and offering them a new chance at life.

Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein has hosted Smile Week for the past 15 years. This year’s event runs from Monday (17/2) to Friday (21/2), providing children with brighter futures and renewed self-esteem.

One of the children receiving treatment is Kananelo Mokoena (10) from Phuthaditjhaba. His life changed at the age of two when a pan of boiling oil fell on him. 

Last year, two tissue expanders were inserted in his chest and one on his shoulder to stretch his skin, preparing healthy tissue for his upcoming surgery.

Kananelo showing off his tissue expanders. Photo: Zenande Mpame

“Today we are here for Smile Week, assisting 17 children who need reconstructive surgery,” said Universitas Hospital plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Nikita Blake. “We are treating cleft lips and palates, burns, and burn contractures this week.

“Kananelo suffered severe burns on his neck, and due to the skin he lost, his chin is stuck to his chest, preventing him from lifting his head. This causes both physical discomfort and the challenge of looking different from other children,” she explained.

“He has no neck and no neck skin, so we want to resurface the entire area. This surgery will not only restore his mobility but will also transform his quality of life, giving him the confidence to thrive.”


The tissue expanders in his chest contain water and have been gradually expanded every two weeks. During Smile Week, surgeons will release the tight scar tissue on his neck and use the newly expanded skin to resurface the affected area, allowing Kananelo to move his head freely for the first time in years.

Speaking about his surgery, Kananelo said, “I am so happy because I will finally be able to move my neck and play with my friends.”

His mother, Maletsatsi Mokoena, expressed her deep gratitude to the Smile Foundation. “For years, Kananelo struggled to pronounce words because his mouth could barely open. Ever since we encountered the Smile Foundation, everything has improved so much faster,” she said.


“This has been an emotional journey. He was bullied at school and even refused to attend because of how he looked. Now, I can finally see progress, and I am so excited.”

Vodacom Central Region Managing Executive, Tsatsi Mthimunye, emphasised the impact of these surgeries. “The procedures performed during Smile Week are ground-breaking and life-changing. 

“They will propel these children forward, helping them reach their full potential.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh

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