Dr Aaron Motsoaledi Undergoes Eye Surgery, SA Praises Minister for Using Public Healthcare Facility

• Dr Aaron Motsoaledi underwent surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s Saint John Eye Care Centre
• The Minister of Health is encouraging others to go for regular eye tests to maintain their eye health
• South Africans praised the minister for undergoing surgery at a public facility, but others were not impressed

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is earning praise online for proving that government officials can use public health facilities.

The Minister of Health underwent a successful eye surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s Saint John Eye Care Centre in Diepkloof.

Dr Motsoaledi underwent the surgery at the public health facility on Thursday, 4 September 2025.

Why did the minister need surgery?

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According to National Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, the minister has been suffering from an eye problem for some time and required an operation. He was then placed on the waiting list in 2024.

He then underwent a successful eye surgery, which was led by a team of mainly young medical professionals, at the facility.

The minister has called on members of the public to follow his example and go for regular eye tests to maintain their eye health.

He stated that early detection of serious eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma could help prevent loss of vision or blindness.

What is St John Eye Care Centre?

The centre is a public health facility that specialises in eye examinations, situated in Soweto.

“It offers high-quality eyewear at accessible rates to ensure communities receive the vision care they need without facing financial hardship,” Mohale said.

The centre provides treatment for various eye conditions such as retinal issues, glaucoma, and corneal problems.

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With Dr Motsoaledi showing that public healthcare facilities are good enough for government officials, hopes remain that others will follow suit. In July 2024, ActionSA's Member of Parliament, Dr Kgosi Letlape, called on other members of Parliament to start using public facilities.

In July 2025, the Health Minister backed ActionSA’s calls for public servants to use public hospitals.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users praised the minister for using public health facilities, noting that he was the only government official who did.

Ncobi SA said:

“Dr Motsoaledi is the only cabinet minister who uses public health services😅. His faith in public health services is commendable.”

Simon Mogohloane added:

“Leading by example Dr. You are showing them that there's no need to fly to Russia for operations.”

Dennis Dinno Mbewe asked:

“At Bara? Wow👌. We know the rest of them in that league go to Russia.”

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Noel Hamandishe stated:

“The first Health Minister in Africa to be treated in his own country's public health care facility.”

Dylan Ndumiso said:

“I know public hospitals often have a bad reputation, but it's important to recognise that there are also many success stories coming from these same facilities. His decision to go to a public hospital was a powerful statement to South Africans that our public healthcare system is capable, and that there are dedicated professionals who take their work seriously. He could have chosen a private hospital, as many do, but he didn’t, and that speaks volumes. It's also inspiring to see black medical practitioners at the forefront of these achievements.

While many praised the minister's decision to use a public facility, some took a more cynical view of the situation.

Terry Moshime Rams said:

“I'm quite sure the whole ward was closed off. I can't be fooled.”

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Brian Sukers added:

“He's singing ‘I can see clearly now, the rain is gone, but I can't see the obstacles in my way’."

Head Wish stated:

“I’m not easily fooled. With eye operations, you don’t sleep at the hospital.”

Dee Crocodile joked:

“He went to a private hospital, then went to take pictures at a public hospital.”

Dr Motsoaledi says healthcare is for everyone

Briefly News reported that Dr Motsoaledi weighed in on the issue of foreigners accessing healthcare services in South Africa.

The Minister of Health reiterated that the Constitution allowed for everyone to be treated at the country's facilities.

Some groups in the country have actively prevented foreign nationals from using public hospitals and clinics.

Source: Briefly News