Chris Hani Baragwanath Clubfoot Clinic: Changing Lives Every Wednesday
Under the leadership of Dr Yammesh Ramguthy, Head of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Clubfoot Clinic in Soweto, stands as the largest and busiest public healthcare provider of the Ponseti method in Southern Africa.
One of our first STEPS clinic partners back in 2013, when there were just 6, we are so proud to celebrate 13 years of sustainable clubfoot care together.
Every Wednesday, the clinic treats up to 80 children with clubfoot, offering life-changing care and renewed hope to hundreds of families.
As a major tertiary referral centre, the clinic serves not only Soweto but the wider Gauteng province and neighbouring regions. Families travel long distances from local clinics, district hospitals, and smaller facilities to access this specialised care. They come knowing that their children will be helped.
Despite the high patient load, the clinic operates on a simple but powerful principle: no child in need of clubfoot care is ever turned away.
A Team Driving Impact
The clinic’s impact is made possible by a skilled and compassionate multidisciplinary team.
Orthopaedic Consultants Dr Gwyneth Wilmot and Dr Mkombe provide specialised clubfoot care, supported by Sister Francinah Sehlapelo, Sister in Charge of Paediatric Orthopaedics.
This work is strengthened through partnership and family-centred support from STEPS Clinic Coordinators, Ursula Kibido and Refilwe Khosa, who play a critical role in caregiver education and support, brace fitting, data collection and creating the supportive environment for families to promote treatment adherence.
Together, they ensure that every child receives consistent, high-quality, and compassionate care.
Clinic Impact Highlights (January – December 2025)
- 106 new patients enrolled
- 2,780 total patient visits recorded
- 723 children treated to date
- 101 STEPS clinic support visits
- Up to 80 children treated weekly
- The largest Ponseti provider in Southern Africa
- Serving urban, peri-urban, and rural communities
- A trusted referral hub for complex and late-presenting cases
Voices from the Clinic
Dr Mkombe, pediatric orthopedic consultant at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, shares:
“Hi my name is Dr Mkombe, I am one of the consultants in pediatric orthopedics at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. It is a privilege to work in the clubfoot clinic because clubfoot is one of the most common congenital foot deformities and is still very apparent in countries where access to healthcare is a problem.
We have a very high number of patients at our clubfoot clinic each week, I would say up there with the highest volume of patients in the world and certainly in South Africa. Despite this we still manage to receive gold standard results and that would not be possible without the assistance of STEPS. STEPS assist us with educational leaflets for parents and also educational material for healthcare professionals. They also assist us with collecting valuable clubfoot data.”
Ursula Kibido, STEPS Clinic & Data Coordinator, reflects on her work:
“I love my work at STEPS because every day brings me closer to our mission that ‘no child with clubfoot is left untreated.’ As a Clinic Coordinator, I’m part of a journey that transforms the futures of children and their families. I get to welcome parents into a supportive space, guide them through each step of treatment, and celebrate every milestone their little ones achieve. Seeing hope replace fear and knowing that our work gives each child the chance to walk, play and grow without limitation is deeply fulfilling. It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a real and lasting difference.”
Refilwe Khosa, STEPS Clinic & Data Coordinator, adds:
“As a clubfoot coordinator, I have the privilege of guiding families through one of the most important journeys of their child’s early life. My role allows me to coordinate care, support parents emotionally and ensure smooth, consistent treatment within our clubfoot clinic. Over time, I have seen how early intervention, clear communication and compassionate support can transform outcomes. Being part of each child’s progress from their first cast to their first confident steps reminds me of the meaningful impact this work has, not only clinically but on entire families. ‘Stronger with every cast, one step at a time!’”
A Centre of Hope
At Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the scale of need is immense, but so is the impact.
Every week, children take steps towards a future without disability. Families find reassurance, guidance, and hope.
And behind every corrected foot is a team committed to one goal:
ensuring that every child has the chance to walk confidently into their future.
