Medical specialists, researchers, educators, and government in the Free State, in Southern Africa have just celebrated the introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System to patients in the region. The robotic system is expected to transform the future of surgery and patient care in Southern Africa.
Changing Patient Outcomes with Surgical Robotic Systems
UFS and the Free State announced recently that they are the first in Southern Africa to make use of the Versius Surgical Robotic System in surgery and patient care.
Versius is deemed to be a very versatile and adaptable surgical robot that can seamlessly integrate into any operating room. The system is used in top specialty procedures, including thoracic, colorectal, general and upper gastrointestinal, hernia, gynaecology and urology.
Radical Prostatectomies were preformed recently
The first procedures in Southern Africa using this robotic surgical system were completed between 24 February and 6 March 2025. These included radical prostatectomies and cholecystectomies, showcasing the potential of this technology to enhance patient outcomes.
Professor Freddie Claassen, Academic Head of the Department of Urology at the UFS and the Universitas Hospital, was one of the first surgeons to undergo training and operate using the system.
The Versius robotic system is designed with mobility and accessibility in mind. Its modular and scalable design allows it to fit seamlessly into any operating room without the need for major infrastructure changes.
He added that this adaptability “ensures that we can expand access to robotic-assisted surgery across both the private and state health-care sectors, thereby closing the gap in health-care delivery.”
The value of robotic surgery
Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation of the UFS, said robots such as the Versius Robotic System are tools that enhance the senses and skills of surgeons during delicate operations.
The robots encountered in modern hospitals are designed to assist, heal, and improve the quality of life. Robotic surgery has already improved outcomes for countless patients by enabling minimally invasive procedures.
“Unlike traditional surgery, which requires large incisions, robotic surgery enables doctors to perform operations with smaller cuts, reduced pain, and less scarring. The robotic systems allow surgeons to manoeuvre instruments in ways that human hands simply cannot.”
“With robotic surgery, surgeons can now perform procedures with greater precision and accuracy, decreasing the chances of complications. The robots do not tire, they do not lose focus, and they can handle repetitive tasks with ease, making the entire process safer for patients. The evolution of AI and robotics in medicine raises many questions,” said Prof Reddy.
A health-changing intervention
Prof Reddy believes the future is where human innovation and machine precision work together to help elevate the standard of care, rather than replacing the human in medicine. He also believes that this system will also allow for greater research opportunities in many fields. From the obvious surgical outcomes, to training, and even more complex research topics such as responses to surgery.
Bridging the gap between technology and biology to serve humanity
Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the university continues to bridge the gap between technology and biology to serve humanity. That UFS is shaping the future of health-care education, engaged scholarship, and innovation in Southern Africa.
“This moment is not just a technological milestone. It’s a symbol of what we can achieve as an institution when we unite academic excellence, visionary leadership, and a commitment to community impact with partners in the private sector and government.”
According to her, Versius is an investment in the well-being of the community and an essential step towards bridging the health-care gap in this region.
Innovating for the future
According to the Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System is a testament to their vision of positioning the Free State as a province of unique firsts. UFS is considered a regional innovator in health-care technology and a centre of excellence in Southern Africa.
“With this groundbreaking system, we’re not only enhancing surgical precision, but also significantly improving patient outcomes. The benefits of robotic surgery, and in this case Versius are profound. Patients will experience quicker recoveries and an earlier return to work, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive society.”
Main photo credit: Versius from CMRSurgical
Photo caption
From left to right: Oliver Goldberg, Group CEO for Marcus Medical distributors of Versuis in South Africa; Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation of the UFS; Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal; MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of the Free State; Monyatso Mahlatsi, MEC for Health; and Prof Gert Coetzee, Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences.
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