Health Minister undergoes eye surgery at Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Zuko Komisa

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has had successful eye surgery at a public hospital in Johannesburg, demonstrating confidence in the country’s healthcare system.

The Minister had been on a waiting list for several months and has since urged the public to get regular eye tests to prevent vision loss.

His surgery coincides with ongoing government efforts to improve access to healthcare, including a partnership with Transnet to provide mobile health services via a dedicated train.

South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has successfully undergone eye surgery at the St John Eye Clinic in Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

The procedure was carried out by a team of young medical professionals.

The Department of Health revealed yesterday that the Minister had been on a waiting list for several months due to persistent vision problems.

Following the surgery, Dr Motsoaledi urged the public to undergo regular eye examinations to ensure eye health and facilitate the early detection of conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can cause preventable blindness.

The Minister of @HealthZA, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi yesterday (Thursday, 04
September) underwent a successful eye surgery led by a team of mainly young
medical professionals at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital`s St John Eye Clinic. St John Eye Clinic is one of government eye clinics… pic.twitter.com/fMRxloXB5g

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) September 5, 2025

The department highlighted that the Minister chose a public hospital to “lead by example” and demonstrate that public health facilities provide quality care for all South Africans, despite occasional longer waiting times.

The St John Eye Clinic is a key public facility that treats a range of eye conditions, including retinal, glaucoma, and corneal issues.