Limpopo Faces Backlog in Breast Reduction Surgeries Due to Specialist Shortage, Says Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego

Polokwane, Limpopo – Limpopo’s health department is grappling with a growing backlog of breast reduction surgeries, mainly because of a severe lack of specialists in the province. Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego has pointed out that there is only one plastic surgeon available, making it hard to meet the demand from women suffering from related health issues. However, steps are being taken to train and bring in more experts to ease the burden and improve access to care in this rural area.

This comes as the province celebrates success stories like that of 39-year-old Naledi Mabotha, who recently had life-changing surgery at Mankweng Hospital near Polokwane. Her case highlights the real impact of these procedures, but also shines a light on the wider challenges in Limpopo’s healthcare system, where high vacancy rates and rural location make it tough to attract skilled workers.

The Backlog and Specialist Crisis in Limpopo

Mashego explained that the shortage of plastic surgeons is a key reason for the delays in breast reduction surgeries, which are needed by women dealing with physical pain and other complications from overly large breasts. “We only have one plastic surgeon in the province,” she said, adding that efforts are underway to build a stronger team.

The MEC stressed that attracting specialists to a rural province like Limpopo is not easy, so the department is focusing on training its own doctors. “We are currently training our own doctors, so that we can have specialists,” Mashego noted. This approach aims to create a home-grown pool of experts who understand local needs and are more likely to stay in the area.

According to the Limpopo Department of Health’s 2024/2025 annual report, the province faces a 70.9% vacancy rate for specialists, with only 163 out of 561 approved posts filled. This shortage affects many areas, including surgery, and has led to backlogs across the board. The report shows that the department carried out 2,424 surgical procedures in the year, using outreach programmes and private partnerships to clear some of the waiting lists. However, specific figures for breast reduction backlogs were not detailed, pointing to ongoing challenges in tracking and addressing them.

Nationwide, South Africa’s public health system often sees wait times of two to five years for breast reduction surgeries, depending on the area and case severity. In Limpopo, rural factors make this worse, with limited facilities and staff spread thin across five districts. The department has launched initiatives like the Rural Health Matters outreach, which brings specialists to remote areas for screenings and surgeries, helping to reduce some delays.

Naledi Mabotha’s Journey: From Pain to Relief

One woman’s story brings hope amid these struggles. Naledi Mabotha, 39, from Limpopo, says her life has turned around after a successful bilateral breast reduction surgery at Mankweng Hospital two months ago. Before the operation, which followed years of waiting, everyday tasks were a nightmare for her.
When her plight was first reported in July, Mabotha struggled with household chores and any physical work. She dealt with constant neck, shoulder, and back pain, along with skin rashes and infections caused by her unusually large breasts. Doctors removed a staggering 13 kilograms of breast tissue during the procedure, giving her much-needed relief.

“I’m feeling happy because now the breasts are no longer big and everything that I wasn’t able to do, now I can do. I can clean the yard. I can do anything in the house. I’m very happy and the back pain that I used to get last time now it is gone,” says Mabotha.

Her case is not unique. The department’s plastic surgery team at Mankweng Hospital has been active, performing multiple breast reductions in recent months to help women take steps towards better health. For instance, in August 2025, the team was busy with operations, and Mashego visited the hospital to highlight these efforts. Another success mentioned in the department’s newsletter involves a woman named Dineo, who underwent a similar surgery through the Rural Health Matters programme and called it a “new beginning.”

These stories show how breast reduction can fix issues like gigantomastia, a condition where breasts grow too large, causing pain and limiting daily life. In public hospitals, such surgeries are vital for women who cannot afford private care.

MEC Dieketseng Mashego’s Role and Background

Mashego, who took office as Health MEC in May 2024 after the national elections, has made tackling shortages a priority. She replaced Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who became Limpopo’s Premier. Before this, Mashego was relatively unknown in health circles, with a background in community development and local government roles. Her appointment raised some questions among stakeholders, who worried about her lack of direct health experience, but many are willing to give her a chance, praising her focus on grassroots issues.

Under her leadership, the department has welcomed over 600 new healthcare workers, including specialists, to boost services. She has also launched the Bophelopele campaign to raise awareness and deliver care, including surgical outreaches in all districts. Mashego commended these efforts during her recent visit to Mankweng Hospital, where she shared Mabotha’s story to inspire others.

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