The 1972 VW Beetle is on a mission to help children of Southern Africa’s poorest communities get the heart surgeries they need. About 300 kids are on the waiting list in Johannesburg alone.

The initiative is a partnership between the Boikanyo Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

With one surgery costing up to R150,000, the funds raised will ensure that kids can be admitted to this hospital and the costs are covered.

Dr. Krubin Naidoo from the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital says with surgery these kids can live normal lives.

“If they don’t come to our attention they will suffer. They can be more prone to infection and lag behind at school and gain weight, mortality can be considerable. About 80% can demise while waiting opposed to 10% if treated.”

So far, this partnership has funded more than 30 open-heart surgeries.

eNCA