​Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has proudly sponsored the September Smile Week initiative that will assist a total of 22 children from previously disadvantaged families to undergo reconstructive surgery and therapy at Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH), in Bloemfontein.

Coordinated by Smile Foundation and scheduled to taking place from 2 – 6 September 2024, Smile Week seeks to transform the lives of children affected by facial abnormalities and severe burns.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with the SMILE Foundation in their mission to bring hope and healing to children in need. At ACSA, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. This initiative aligns perfectly with our values, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of these young patients and their families" says Thabo Phateng, Airport Manager Bram Fischer International Airport.

Facial anomalies and burn injuries in children often extend far beyond what meets the eye. These physical differences often lead to emotional and psychological challenges that are deeply painful and difficult to overcome. For many of these children, the true burden lies in their social isolation and the loss of their sense of self.

Amongst the children undergoing surgery this Smile Week is Kananelo, a ten-year-old boy who carries a heavy burden for someone so young. His innocent face is etched with the scars of a terrible accident. At just two years old, a playful moment at home turned into a nightmare when a pot of hot cooking oil scalded his skin, leaving his face and neck disfigured by severe burns.

Since that day, life has never been the same for Kananelo and his family. This cruel twist of fate left an indelible mark, both physically and emotionally. His mother, employed in Sasolburg, carries the weight of worry and the burden of financial strain. Every month, she takes time off work to make the journey to Qwaqwa, where Kananelo lives with his grandmother, and together they travel to Bloemfontein Hospital for routine check-ups with each visit being a stark reminder of that fateful day that forever changed their lives.

"Seeing my boy Kananelo in so much pain after the accident breaks my heart. His burns may have healed on the outside, but inside he is suffering. Children can be very cruel. They laugh at him and call him hurtful names. He has lost his spark and doesn't even want to go to school anymore because of the bullying. Speaking is also difficult for him now because of the tight scars around his mouth and neck. This has been very hard for our whole family to see. We are extremely grateful to Smile Foundation and the kind doctors who are giving our Kananelo the chance to smile again."

"Smile Foundation expresses deep gratitude to the generous decision-makers at Airports Company South Africa. Your kindness and compassion have yet again, breathed life into our initiative. Because of your support, these children will receive life-changing surgeries, opening doors to a future filled with smiles, self-acceptance, and the simple joys of childhood", says Tarri Parfitt, CEO of Smile Foundation.

"You are also giving families the immeasurable gifts of joy, hope and emotional healing. We are eternally grateful to the dedicated surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff who make this miracle possible every month. You are the true heroes," she adds.

For many children bearing visible and invisible scars of facial anomalies and burn injuries, Smile Week is an immense source of hope. It offers children a chance at a brighter future.

For media enquiries:

Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372

Senior Manager: Corporate Communications

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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