Cabinet lauds Wits University doctors on performing historic liver surgery

The team of doctors performed world's first liver transplant from a HIV positive mother to her HIV negative child

A historic and successful liver transplant from a HIV positive mother to her HIV negative child has received resounding applause.

Giving feedback on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane congratulated the team of researchers from Wits University, who performed the historic surgery.

The team of doctors, who performed the surgery included Professor Jean Botha, Dr Francesca Conradie, Dr Harriet Etheredge, Dr June Fabian and Professor Caroline Tiemessen.

As a precaution, the baby is still on HIV treatment and doctors are not sure when, or if, the child will stop taking antiretrovirals.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also noted that South Africa’s radio telescope, the MeerKAT, will be joining Breakthrough Listen, an international initiative seeking signs of intelligent life in the universe.

“It demonstrates our internationally recognised expertise and infrastructure,” said Mokonyane.

South Africa’s 64-dish MeerKAT radio telescope, inaugurated in July this year, is the most sensitive telescope of its kind in the world.

Cabinet also took the opportunity to congratulate the people of Equatorial Guinea on their 50th independence celebration. 

South Africa has enjoyed full diplomatic relations with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea since 5 May 1993. 

(With inputs from South African Government press release)