The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA), in association with the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa (SCTSSA) will be holding the inaugural Cardio-Thoracic Conference ‘In Africa for Africa’ in Cape Town from 4-6 September 2026.

The Conference will bring together leading international and regional clinicians, fellows, and registrars to explore contemporary and contextualized clinical approaches, surgical techniques, health-system strengthening, and perioperative topics of interest in Africa including:

• Plenary sessions that blend key regional speakers as well as international leaders including current and past presidents of EACTS, STS, CSIA, SCTSSA, as well as the Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS), the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) and the Brazilian Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (SBCCV).
• Individual simulation sessions focused on surgical techniques for the modified Bentall procedure, rheumatic mitral valve repair, aortic root enlargement strategies and others.
• Team-building simulation series introducing key situational and crisis management strategies utilizing the novel Califia system from the University of the Free State, South Africa.
• Round table conversations with health management experts surrounding disparities in resources for cardiothoracic capabilities as well as health-system strengthening in Africa.
• Panel discussions with industry representatives involving supply chain solutions and sourcing at scale for regional programmes.
• Social events to network with regional & international colleagues and leaders in the field

Dr J Rafael Sádaba

President EACTS

Dr Vinay Badhwar

President STS

*EACTS – The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery was founded by a group of visionary cardiothoracic surgeons in 1986 who recognised the need for a unified professional body to represent the interests of their specialty. One of the key factors in EACTS’ success was its commitment to promoting education and research in cardiothoracic surgery. Membership of EACTS now exceeds 4000 globally, including surgeons, cardiovascular scientists, perfusionists, and allied health professionals. The Association promotes patient care, safety, professional ethics, and plays a significant role in shaping healthcare policies affecting cardiothoracic surgery. EACTS aims to be the global home of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

STS – Society of Thoracic Surgeons was founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit professional organization representing surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, and oesophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. STS is the largest cardiothoracic surgery organization in the world with more than 7,800 members in 102 countries.

CSIA – The Cardiac Intersociety Alliance is the first global partnership of all leading cardiothoracic surgical societies worldwide, dedicated to expanding access to cardiac surgery in areas where capacity is limited. By facilitating bi-directional educational exchanges between programmes in middle-high income countries and selected centres in low- and middle-income countries, CSIA aims to build capacity, increase high-quality cardiac surgeries, and advance sustainable, home-grown surgical teams in these regions.

SCTSSA – The Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in South Africa was formally established in 1992 with acceptance of its constitution. It is an official group of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), an Association incorporated under Section 21, Reg. No. 05/00136/08. The aim of the Society is to represent the interests of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in South Africa, to promote the practice of cardiothoracic surgery and in so doing to develop good relationships with other societies and disciplines in South Africa and abroad.

Dr E. Zigiriadis

President SCTSSA

IN AFRICA FOR AFRICA – Welcome Address

Dear Colleagues,

As President of the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa, it is my privilege to welcome you to the inaugural Cardio-Thoracic Conference, "In Africa for Africa," in Cape Town from 4–6 September 2026.

This landmark meeting, convened with EACTS, STS, CSIA and SCTSSA, brings leading international and African partners together to advance cardiothoracic care on the continent.

We welcome cardiothoracic surgeons, healthcare leaders, academics, managers, trainees and partners from across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Your collective expertise is essential to strengthening sustainable, high-quality services for African patients.

The programme addresses both clinical excellence and the realities of healthcare delivery in Africa. Sessions will focus on intersocietal collaboration, health-system development, training, capacity building, risk stratification, quality improvement, clinical databases, coronary and aortic surgery, rheumatic and valvular heart disease, paediatric cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, perfusion and perioperative care.

I thank our faculty, partners, sponsors and delegates for supporting this important initiative. Together, we are building networks, sharing expertise and shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery in Africa.

Dr E. Zigiriadis
President, SCTSSA