One of two conjoined twin boys separated at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo has died from multiple organ failure. The surviving infant was airlifted to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital in Pretoria on Saturday for specialised care.
Why it matters: The separation was the first of its kind attempted at a Limpopo public hospital. The outcome highlights both the capability and the limits of South Africa’s public healthcare system.
What happened
The twins were born on 28 January, joined at the abdomen, after their 29-year-old mother was referred to Mankweng Hospital when the condition was discovered during labour. A medical team successfully separated the boys on 17 March in what doctors described as a complex but initially successful procedure.
Signs of infection emerged around the fifth day after surgery. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba confirmed at a media briefing at Mankweng Hospital on Friday, 3 April, that the infant died from severe post-operative complications linked to multiple organ failure.
Surviving twin transferred
The clinical team recommended that the surviving twin be transferred to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital for continuous care. The baby was airlifted on Saturday.
According to medical staff, the surviving twin has been removed from ventilation support, is breathing independently, and remains active. The transfer was motivated in part by the emotional toll on Mankweng staff, who required a new team in a different environment to continue care.
Medical response
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the death was a painful reminder of medical limitations, even when surgery itself succeeds. He visited Mankweng Hospital to meet with staff and the family.
Mankweng Hospital staff were filmed singing together after the surgery, a moment that drew widespread attention and sympathy from the public.