‘We can do it here!’: Historic separation of conjoined twins sparks rural Limpopo hospital pride

A team of doctors in Limpopo has delivered a rare medical breakthrough, successfully separating conjoined twins at a rural public hospital, a moment being hailed as a historic win for South Africa’s public healthcare system.

The operation, performed at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital, saw two babies born joined at the abdomen separated after hours of complex surgery.

Complex surgery in a rural setting

The twins were born earlier this year, joined at the abdomen and sharing vital organs.

Pediatric surgeon Dr Nyaweleni Tshifularo led the procedure, supported by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses.

“Within an hour, the babies were delivered,” he said.

Despite initial suggestions to transfer the babies to a major city, the team made a decisive call to perform the surgery in Limpopo.

“I said, no, this is not going to happen. We are going to do it here in the rural setting,” Tshifularo said.

Rare condition, high-risk procedure

The condition occurred when a single fertilised egg did not fully separate, resulting in conjoined twins.

Tshifularo said the babies were joined at the abdomen, a complex but operable scenario.

“They were not stuck in the heart or the brain, which is very difficult,” he said.

The twins shared a liver and parts of other abdominal structures, requiring careful division during surgery.

“We had to divide it and share it with the other one,” he explained.

Extensive planning preceded the operation, including CT scans, MRIs and angiograms to map out the shared organs.

‘If they’re alive, it’s a success’

The operation was declared a success once both babies were separated and alive.

“If you divide them and they’re alive and everyone now is living their own life, that’s a success,” said Tshifularo.

Doctors expect a positive long-term outcome, with shared organs like the liver able to regenerate and grow.

“That small part does grow to become a full-grown organ,” he said.

Family support and difficult decisions

The procedure came with significant emotional weight for the family.

Doctors warned that both babies could die, or that only one might survive.

“This was very difficult for the family,” Tshifularo said.

Psychologists, social workers and counsellors were brought in to support the parents through the process.

A breakthrough for public healthcare

The success is being seen as a major milestone for public healthcare, particularly in rural areas.

“This is saying we can do it wherever we are,” said Tshifularo.

He credited a shift in mindset as the key factor.

“People were saying this cannot be done here… I said, no, you step aside and allow us to deliver the service.”

He added that delivering specialised care closer to communities keeps families together and reduces pressure on major urban hospitals.

Pride and celebration

The achievement has sparked pride and celebration among people across South Africa.

“I am so proud. Our province is on the map for good,” one 702 listener said.

Another described the moment as ‘a good, good, good news celebration story’.

The successful separation is being celebrated not only as a medical milestone but as proof of what is possible in South Africa’s public health system.

For more information, listen to Tshifularo on 702’s Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa using the audio player below: