On 6 March 2026, healthcare professionals from across South Africa will gather in Cape Town to mark World Lymphoedema Day — a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and improving outcomes for patients living with lymphoedema.
Hosted by Lymph Medical, the event promises a full day of multidisciplinary education, practical demonstrations and meaningful collaboration.
At a time when swelling is too often misunderstood or under-diagnosed, this gathering brings renewed focus to early identification, proper management and long-term patient support.
Why Lymphoedema Awareness Matters
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by impairment of the lymphatic system, leading to persistent swelling, skin changes, discomfort and, in advanced cases, recurrent infections. It may develop following cancer treatment, trauma, surgery or vascular disease — but it can also arise without a clear precipitating factor.
One of the most important messages underpinning World Lymphoedema Day is this: any swelling can become lymphoedema if not properly managed.
For this reason, the event is designed not only for lymphatic specialists, but for all healthcare professionals who encounter oedema in clinical practice.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
📅 Date: 6 March 2026
🕗 Time: 08:00 – 18:00
🎟 In-person tickets: R999 per person
🎟 Virtual access: R700 per person
The hybrid format ensures national accessibility, enabling both in-person and remote delegates to participate.
Who Should Attend?
This event is highly relevant for:
- Doctors and surgeons
- Vascular specialists
- Plastic surgeons
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Orthotists
- Registered therapeutic massage therapists
- Wound care practitioners
- Any registered healthcare professional managing swelling or oedema
Given the crossover between vascular, surgical, oncological and rehabilitation care, lymphoedema management requires a team-based approach — and this programme reflects exactly that.
A Multidisciplinary Faculty of Experts
The 2026 programme features a diverse and experienced panel, including:
- Rogini Pillay – Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
- Erika Schwabe – Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
- Jane Venter – Occupational, Hand Therapist and Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
- Sachan Irwin – Occupational Therapist, Certified Lymphoedema Therapist and President of LAOSA
- Dr Chris Price – Plastic Surgeon (BSc MBChB FC Plast Surg SA)
- Dr Laura Redman – Vascular and General Specialist Surgeon (MBChB, MMed, FCS SA Cert. Vascular)
- Dr Gregory Weir – Vascular Surgeon, Hyperbaric Physician and Wound Care Specialist
- Marzanne Altin – Orthotist and Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
- Dr Preshani Reddy – Physiotherapist, PHD, Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
- Liz Olivas – Registered Massage Therapist USA, Certified Lymphoedema Therapist USA
- Jenna Whitaker – Registered Therapeutic Massage Therapist and Certified Lymphoedema Therapist
The day will be hosted by Suzi Davey (OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CLWT), an experienced occupational therapist with specialised credentials in lymphatic and wound care.
And the official MC on the day is Dr Randall Ortel, MMed Fam Med (UCT), FCFP (SA). MBCHB (Stell. Univ, Dip Occ Med cum laude (Stell. Univ) DpPEC (SA) DipObs (SA), FEC (UCT)
What to Expect
Beyond lectures, this event prioritises practical application.
Delegates can expect:
- Live demonstrations of innovative bandaging techniques
- Demonstrations of pneumatic compression pumps
- A step-by-step clinical demonstration on accurate measurement of patients with swelling
- Product showcases and opportunities to interact with medical associations
- Dedicated networking time to foster collaboration
This structure allows professionals not only to absorb knowledge but to refine their hands-on clinical skills.
The Bigger Picture: Past, Present and Future
World Lymphoedema Day 2026 will explore:
- The historical evolution of lymphoedema care
- Current evidence-based management strategies
- Emerging technologies and future innovations
- The importance of early intervention
- Integrated care pathways across specialties
As surgical techniques advance and survivorship improves — particularly in oncology and vascular care — the need for proactive lymphatic management becomes increasingly important.
Registration & Contact Information
Healthcare professionals interested in attending can register via:
🔗 https://forms.gle/2eZjeXr1d4ja9EtA9
For queries:
Laura Barnes
📞 +27 76 177 8855
📧 accounts@lymphmedical.com
Maggie Stassen
📞 +27 79 025 8781
📧 register@lymphmedical.com
About Lymph Medical
Lymph Medical is committed to advancing education, awareness and access to solutions for lymphoedema management across South Africa. Through educational events, clinical equipment and professional collaboration, they aim to support improved patient outcomes and elevate standards of care.
Follow Lymph Medical on social media:
Instagram: @lymph.medical
Facebook: Lymph Medical
LinkedIn: Lymph Medical
YouTube: Lymph Medical
TikTok: @lymph_medical
About the author
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind the Aesthetic Appointment Journal. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.