For many South Africans, the things that put a smile on our faces also come with a price tag, from a weekend away or favourite coffee to a night out with friends and family.
Ahead of World Smile Day on 2 October, a new survey by Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) has revealed what South Africans are most likely to spend money on to put a smile on their faces. Holidays or weekends away came out on top, with 52% of respondents choosing them, followed by coffee or a favourite drink at 47% and nights out with friends or family at 42%.
When asked which of these things they spend money on most often, coffee or a favourite drink took the top spot at 19%. This was followed by hobbies, sport or leisure at 18% and gifts or treats for others at 15%.
For most people, the money spent on these small moments of happiness feels worthwhile. More than half of respondents (54%) said they always felt that spending money on things that made them happy was worthwhile, while a further 30% said they often felt the same way. But those little moments can add up. Almost seven in 10 respondents (69%) said they spend up to R2,000 a month on the things that make them happy, with 61% spending up to R1,000.
The survey also found that South Africans are willing to spend money to make someone else happy. When asked what they would most likely spend R100 on to make another person happy, 25% said they would help someone with an essential need, 22% would buy a small gift and 20% would spend it on a meal or groceries. A further 19% would put the money towards a charity or cause.
When a smile needs specialist care
But what happens when being able to smile involves more than a small moment of happiness or something money can simply buy?
When asked how much they knew about cleft lip and palate and the treatment and care children may need, 44% of respondents said they knew a little. A cleft lip and/or palate is a birth condition that can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak and hear and may require specialist treatment as they grow. While general awareness of the condition appears limited, 85% of those who were aware of cleft lip and palate said they knew that children with clefts may need further care and specialist surgeries as they grow.
There was also a significant gap in perceptions around the cost of cleft surgery. A third of respondents (33%) believe an operation costs more than R45,000, while 23% estimated the cost at between R5,000 and R15,000.
Through its fundraising efforts, specialist volunteer networks and healthcare partnerships, Operation Smile South Africa is able to provide cleft surgery at a cost of approximately R40 000 per operation. This is made possible by the support of donors and the specialist volunteers who give their time and expertise to provide this care.
It is a reminder that contributions of all sizes can help Operation Smile provide life-changing cleft care to more children and adults who need it.
“Living with an unrepaired cleft can affect so many aspects of a person’s life. For children and their families, the journey can also involve stigma, bullying and social isolation,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. “For many families, particularly those in rural communities, accessing specialist care can be incredibly difficult. Our work is about bringing safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care (i.e. speech therapy, dental, psychosocial and nutritional support) closer to the homes of people with clefts and making a life-changing difference.”
Families in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape urged to come forward
As World Smile Day approaches, Operation Smile South Africa is calling on families and individuals across the country but most especially in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape to come forward to be assessed for free specialist cleft care. In Limpopo, Operation Smile South Africa will host a patient registration and screening during the National Oral Health Outreach in Thohoyandou on 15 October. In the Eastern Cape, Operation Smile’s specialist medical volunteer will conduct free cleft surgeries at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha from 30 October to 01 November 2026. The programme will kick off with patient screening on Thursday, 29 October, where each patient will receive a comprehensive medical assessment to determine their suitability for surgery. Every treatment plan is guided by the patient’s individual medical needs and wellbeing.
For those who are approved for surgery, the programme provides care throughout the surgical and recovery process, with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals including cleft surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists.
The annual cleft surgical programme is part of Operation Smile’s partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, aimed at strengthening comprehensive cleft care across the province. In October 2025, Operation Smile’s specialist volunteer medical team performed 32 cleft surgeries at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital after screening more than 40 patients. This year’s programme has been extended to three surgical days.
“We want families to know that they do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone. If you or your child is living with an unrepaired cleft, please get in touch with us and let our team explain how we can help,” says Scarth.
If you or your child has an unrepaired cleft lip and/or cleft palate, contact Operation Smile South Africa to find out whether you could be eligible for assessment and potential treatment. For enquiries and information please WhatsApp Operation Smile’s Patient Coordinators on 060 855 7971
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Genie Vittu
Soweto Sunrise News
