Why Oral health matters more than you think

By Dr. Tumi Mahlangu, Dental Advisor *DENIS (An AfroCentric Group Company) When most people think about a visit to the dentist, it’s usually in one of two situations either when something hurts or when they’re hoping to fix a smile. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or teeth whitening, dental care is often seen through a… Read more »

Tackling South Africa’s Diabetes Epidemic with Data and Innovation

By Ayesha Kriel, Head of Disease and Medicine Management, Medscheme and AfroCentric Group Company Diabetes has quietly become one of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges, one that demands urgent, coordinated, and innovative action across the healthcare system. Current estimates indicate that 2.3 million South African adults live with diabetes, representing a 7.2% prevalence rate… Read more »

Walking the Talk on Value-Based Care Medscheme’s Orthocare Programme

By Medscheme In an era where every healthcare player claims to be committed to Value-Based Care (VBC), Medscheme has quietly and steadily turned this promise into practical reality. While others talk, Medscheme is delivering — and nowhere is this more apparent than in the pioneering Orthocare programme, a robust and intelligent response to one of… Read more »

Digital Innovation is the key to transforming mental health access.

By Dr. Litha Fatsha *Advanced Specialist: Health Facility Strategy Unit, at Medscheme As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that mental wellbeing is not merely the absence of illness, it is the presence of balance, resilience, and connection. Mental health, as defined by Galderisi and colleagues in World Psychiatry (2015), is “a… Read more »

September Spotlight: Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable

By Jenni Noble *This article was drafted by the AfroCentric Group in conjunction with Medscheme 25 September 2025 – For South African women, cervical cancer isn’t just a statistic—it’s a harsh reality. It is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among South African women. Yet this cancer is preventable and treatable through the actions we… Read more »

How to tackle the rise of developmental disorders in South African children

By Ayesha Kriel Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face heightened risks of anxiety, depression, and burnout while managing therapy schedules, advocating for school support, and handling behavioural challenges. Recent healthcare data, unfortunately, reveals that South Africa has witnessed a clear and concerning upward trend in these… Read more »

Aid for Aids (AfA), 27 years of HIV managed care excellence in South Africa

By Maria Rambauli For nearly three decades, Aid for AIDS (AfA), an AfroCentric Group subsidiary, has been the vanguard of HIV management in South Africa, transforming lives, and strengthening health systems. From its beginnings in 1998 to emerging as Africa’s largest private HIV management programme, AfA has delivered unequalled clinical outcomes, holistic patient management, and… Read more »

South Africa’s mental health crisis, a threat to future workforce and economy

By Gerald Van Wyk South Africa, 01 June 2025: South Africa faces an escalating youth mental health crisis, exacting a heavy toll that is far beyond emotional wellbeing.  AfroCentric a diversified healthcare company and a Sanlam Group Company, reports a concerning 25% year-on-year increase in hospitalisations due to mental health issues for individuals under 35…. Read more »

Data is a Currency: How Medscheme is Powering Member-Centric Healthcare Through Automation

By Andrew Wright Executive Manager: Business Engineering and Solution Design, and Wayne Pole: Hyper-Automation Specialist at Medscheme In today’s digital economy, data is the new currency—and businesses that know how to extract, refine, and leverage it effectively are the ones gaining a competitive edge. In the healthcare sector, the stakes are even higher. The ability… Read more »

A Crisis in the Making – The state of Health of South Africa’s Youth

By Satish Antony South Africa, 01 June 2025, As South Africa grapples with a complex and evolving healthcare landscape, new data from Medscheme [an AfroCentric Group Company] shines a stark light on the health status of the country’s youth, a group representing the foundation of our future economy. The analysis, focused on the 15–34 age… Read more »

Healthcare as a pillar of Freedom. Healthcare can deliver on South Africa’s constitutional promises.

By Andrew Schwulst CEO of Medscheme *Medscheme is a managed care company within the AfroCentric Group. South Africa’s healthcare landscape has undergone significant transformation since the dawn of democracy, shaped by reforms designed to ensure equitable access and improve population health outcomes. Key among these reforms was the introduction of the Medical Schemes Act of… Read more »

HyperAutomation and Year-end: where technology and humanity meet.

By Andrew Wright Executive Manager: Business Engineering and Solution Design at Medscheme The medical scheme industry in South Africa has never been more challenged than right now given the unknowns of a National Health Insurance (NHI) system and lack of clarity in the future role of Medical Schemes. Administrators and Managed Care companies remain vested… Read more »

Maternal and newborn health the key focus of this year’s World Health Day

By Aklaaq Mahmood Every year, World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April, highlights a chosen critical issue for global health. This week kicks off the 2025 year-long campaign that will focus on maternal and newborn health. This year’s theme led by the World Health Organization and partners, and titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, urges governments, organisations… Read more »

Afrocentric: Taking on the healthcares triple threat

It starts with you: Taking on healthcare fraud, waste and abuse. Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime — you are the victim. If you have medical aid, you are a victim of healthcare fraud! Every false or inflated claim submitted to your medical aid contributes to the R80 million lost daily to fraud, waste… Read more »

Delivering holistic solutions to ensure people living with HIV achieve good health

South Africa faces the world’s largest HIV epidemic, with approximately 8 million people—12.7% of the population—living with HIV in 2024. The past year alone has seen over 50,000 AIDS-related deaths and 150,000 new infections Despite these daunting figures, there have been significant strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS since the epidemic emerged in… Read more »

Empowering South Africans to manage and prevent diabetes through innovative health programmes

Diabetes is a factor in the death of 118 people every day in South Africa, and it is now the leading cause of death in the country. To put this in perspective, diabetes now kills more people than HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and transport accidents , and more than four million people are living with the… Read more »

AfroCentric group celebrates four years of delivering improved patient outcomes and lower costs with its pioneering hospital at home

AfroCentric Group’s (AfroCentric) innovative Hospital at Home service recently celebrated four years of delivering reduced hospitalisations, improved patient outcomes and lower costs for patients whose medical conditions would traditionally require hospital admission. The diversified healthcare Group was the first to provide the offering in Southern Africa. Hospital at Home provides care for various types of… Read more »

Kidney awareness week. How effective network management is saving lives

Amee Adonis Advanced Specialist: Health Facility Strategy Unit from Medscheme, an AfroCentric Group company writes about the power of healthcare network management in improving healthcare renal care outcomes for patients As Kidney Awareness Week unfolds, it’s time to shine a light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare—network management. This might not be… Read more »

Mental illness awareness month: Understanding the distinctions and trends in mental health and mental illness

By Dr Litha Fatsha Advanced Specialist Healthcare Facilities Strategy Unit Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct concepts. Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and it affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In contrast, mental illness… Read more »

Digital Disconnect: More Connected but More Alone

Loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic among younger generations. By Aimee Wesso Roberts Head: Lifestyle and Wellness Management at AfroCentric Group Loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic among younger generations. While more than 43% of people over the age of 60 reported feeling lonely—usually attributed to living arrangements and a decline in social… Read more »

Healthcare for the youth needs strategic shift to prevention, innovation in care and better delivery of services

Satish Antony, Executive Manager: Actuarial of the AfroCentric Group The landscape of healthcare in South Africa is undergoing a profound transformation. While this transformation is largely focussed on the NHI and its implications we need not neglect everything else that is happening in the healthcare sector such as the state of health of our youth…. Read more »

The future is now: Pharmacy Direct leads the way in robotic medication dispensing

Pharmacy Direct Showcases the Future of Healthcare with its Automated Medicine Dispensing System Pharmacy Direct, a subsidiary of the Afrocentric Group and specialised pharmacy, at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, continues to revolutionise medication dispensing through the use of robotics. In 2021, Pharmacy Direct became the first and remains the only pharmacy in South Africa… Read more »

International nurses day commemoration: Stalwart nurse builds second maternity clinic in alberton

Diversified JSE listed healthcare company AfroCentric Group, has teamed up with Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic to launch a satellite branch in Alberton Mall. The launch follows the commemoration of International Nurses Day on May 12th, where executives from AfroCentric, including Dr Nkateko Munisi, AfroCentric Group Board Member and Chairperson of Social & Ethics Committee, Sandile Mbele:… Read more »

AfroCentric supports universal healthcare but believes greater consultation is required on NHI

AfroCentric as an industry stakeholder and healthcare giant, supports the principles that underpin the movement towards universal health coverage in South Africa through an integrated health system that offers quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare. As a purpose driven organisation, we acknowledge that South Africa’s healthcare system remains unequal, where 86 percent of the population relies… Read more »

Medscheme wins 17 year old legal battle

AfroCentric Group company welcomes arbitration ruling against Neil Harvey and Associates After navigating a 17-year-long arbitration process, Medscheme, an AfroCentric Group Company, has welcomed an arbitrator’s decision to dismiss all the claims brought against it by software developer, Neil Harvey & Associates (NHA), as baseless. The arbitrator also awarded costs in Medscheme’s favour. NHA’s claims… Read more »

Harnessing hope: A call to tangible action on world TB day

Dr Nkateko Msimeki, General Manager Health Policy and Medical Advisory from AfroCentric writes about the state of TB in South Africa and what we need to do to bring an end to this age-old disease As we all mark World TB Day, it’s not only a time for reflection but also a moment to galvanise… Read more »

Skin cancer vs skin colour – More melanin may mean more protection, but risks remain

As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the… Read more »

Prioritise your well being: Preparing for postpartum during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a joyous journey, but it’s crucial to look beyond the anticipation of a new arrival and consider the mental health challenges that could come with it. While some new mothers experience what is known as the ‘baby blues’, one in seven women are at risk of developing post-partum depression – a more serious… Read more »

AfroCentric Group attains Top Employer Status in South Africa 2024

The AfroCentric Group, a leading player in South Africa’s healthcare sector, proudly attained its status as one of South Africa’s Top Employers as designated by the globally recognised Top Employers Institute. The Top Employers Institute’s rigorous certification process evaluates organisations based on their performance in key HR domains, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition,… Read more »

25 years of HIV management excellence: AfroCentric Group and Aid for AIDS (AFA) leads the charge to dismantle stigma and rebrand HIV

As we observed World AIDS Day, it was both a moment of reflection on progress and a call to action for a crucial issue that still persists to this day. In Southern Africa, where HIV is the most severe globally, the battle against the virus extends beyond medical challenges and stretches to societal barriers built… Read more »

Treating healthcare fraud and safeguarding SA’s healthcare – Shines a light on the alarming extent of healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse in South Africa this International Fraud Awareness week

For millions of South Africans, healthcare is among the top three expenses in our lives, trailing only food and shelter. In fact, the increases in healthcare costs are now at their highest rate since 2017. However, lurking beneath these rising costs is an uncomfortable truth – fraud, waste and abuse are significantly contributing to these… Read more »

World Diabetes Day – SA should know the risks and respond with urgency

As we recognise World Diabetes Day, the 2023 “Know your risk, know your response” theme resonates profoundly in South Africa, especially considering the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to Aimee Wesso-Roberts, Head of Lifestyle and Wellness Management at the AfroCentric Group, the landscape of diabetes in our nation is intertwined… Read more »

2024 Healthcare trends – Prevention, digital access, and patient centred care

Aimée Wesso-Roberts from JSE-Listed AfroCentric Group unpacks the healthcare trends that are going dominate the industry in 2024 As the horizon of 2023 draws closer and we begin to venture into 2024, the landscape of healthcare in South Africa is marked by a blend of innovative technologies and burgeoning challenges. From the ever-growing impact of… Read more »

AfroCentric Group companies, Medscheme, Pharmacy Direct and AFA sweep the PMR.Africa Awards

Johannesburg – AfroCentric Group subsidiaries, Medscheme, Pharmacy Direct and AfA are thrilled to announce their outstanding success at the prestigious PMR.Africa Awards. These accolades are a testament to the staunch dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence exhibited by these healthcare industry leaders. Medscheme, a frontrunner in healthcare solutions, achieved remarkable recognition by clinching multiple accolades…. Read more »

De Beers Group and AfroCentric Group extend health and wellness services to communities

The initiative aligns with government’s Checka Impilo campaign in partnership with the South African Business Coalition on Health and AIDS AfroCentric and De Beers have partnered to fund wellness screenings of about 25 000 community members in the labour sending areas surrounding Venetia Mine, in Vhembe and Capricorn districts in Limpopo. The initiative supports government’s… Read more »

Behind the smile: The silent struggle of high-functioning depression in women

Women are rightfully praised for their strength and resilience, yet their silent struggles often go unnoticed. Did you know that around twice as many women experience depression than men? The problem is many of these women will live their lives as normal without ever letting on that they suffer from high-functioning depression. According to Dr… Read more »

Redefining healthcare: AfroCentric Group’s vision for integrated solutions in South Africa

Job creation, load shedding and politics have traditionally taken centre stage in South Africa’s list of priorities. Amidst the clamour, the crucial healthcare conversation seemed to have been overshadowed. However, recent developments surrounding the passing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by Parliament has brought healthcare back into focus. Numerous organisations, political parties and… Read more »

Responsible AI integration demands a layered approach – Vukosi Sambo

The adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly spread across our global economy encompassing pretty much every sector and industry. The recent developments in Large Language Models like ChatGPT has caused an even more exponential rise in use of AI, capturing the imagination of people around the world. Thanks to their broader utility-… Read more »

How Run-Grow-Transform has revolutionised digital transformation or Pioneering digital transformation with Run-Grow-Transform

Avsharn Bachoo Group Technology Director at JSE-listed healthcare company, AfroCentric Group, unpacks the power of Run-Grow-Transform in the ever-shifting quest to digitally transform Technology plays a critical role in the evolution of every industry in South Africa and across the world. This is why we constantly say that every company is now a technology company… Read more »

Redefining wellness in the workplace

Corporate wellness has evolved significantly over the years. More businesses are recognising the importance of prioritising the health and wellbeing of their employees. Studies have shown that employees who are healthy are more productive, have lower absenteeism rates, and are less likely to file for disability claims. This has led many companies to invest in… Read more »

Pioneering digital transformation with Run-Grow-Transform

Avsharn Bachoo Group Technology Director at JSE-listed healthcare company, AfroCentric Group, unpacks the power of Run-Grow-Transform in the ever-shifting quest to digitally transform Technology plays a critical role in the evolution of every industry in South Africa and across the world. This is why we constantly say that every company is now a technology company… Read more »

Sanlam concludes AfroCentric transaction

Sanlam today announced the successful conclusion of its transaction to acquire a controlling shareholding in AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited (AfroCentric). AfroCentric is a black-owned investment holding company with significant interests in the healthcare market, including the Medscheme medical scheme administration business and a pharmaceutical business. The conclusion of the transaction has resulted in Sanlam acquiring… Read more »

1000+ patients and counting: AfroCentric’s Hospital at Home programme sets new standards for patient centered care

In the healthcare industry, the conventional notion has long held that healing must take place within the confines of a hospital. However, as the demands for accessible and cost-effective healthcare continue to rise, healthcare practitioners and funders are being compelled to explore alternative approaches that can reduce the burden on traditional brick-and-mortar hospitals. Amidst this… Read more »

Ahmed Banderker: Healthcare is still a budget priority

The progress towards achieving universal health coverage needs to remain on track As finance minister Enoch Godongwana took to the podium for this year’s budget address I knew healthcare would not take centre stage. The minister had to contend with a multitude of issues, chief among them being the worst energy crisis our nation has… Read more »

The data of care: A game changer for the healthcare industry

Executive Head of Data Insights at the AfroCentric Group, Vukosi Sambo, writes about how data does more than just turn people into numbers… it saves lives As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the role of data to drive efficiencies and improve patient outcomes has become the core of our industry. To me, we aspire… Read more »

AfroCentric and Vision 4 Change bring vision to learners in Cape Town

Cape Town – To ensure more learners see the world clearer, JSE-listed healthcare group, AfroCentric, partnered with non-profit organisation Vision 4 Change to embark on the “Vision is Vital” campaign on 25 November 2022. Together, these two organisations will collectively host a “Fitment Day” at two underprivileged Cape Town-based schools. A team of optometrists will… Read more »

AfroCentric Group chairman Dr Anna Mokgokong receives presigious ‘Women who make a difference’ award

Johannesburg – AfroCentric Group is pleased to announce that its Group Chairman, Dr Anna Mokgokong, is recipient of the International Women’s Forum’s (IWF’s) “Women Who Make a Difference Award” for the year 2022. The award celebrates the tremendous accomplishments and contributions that IWF members make in their communities and the world. The South African chapter… Read more »

Extra support for advanced cancer patients through medical scheme innovation

AfroCentric Group subsidiary Medscheme’s partnership with value-based care provider, Alignd, is transforming advanced cancer care delivery and enhancing patients’ experience. JOHANNESBURG – As countries expand health benefits for cancer care, there’s a risk that people suffering from terminal cancer will spend their last days in hospitals away from their loved ones, often in pain and… Read more »

AfroCentric Group partners with Ekurhuleni – based clinic to raise breast cancer awareness

Johannesburg – SA’s largest JSE-listed and black-owned healthcare group,AfroCentric, is for the fifth year the main sponsor of Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services’ Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which takes place on Sunday, October 16, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. The event will start with an 8km walkathon where participants will be given educational pamphlets with information on breast… Read more »

Sanlam submits offer to acquire controlling stake in Afrocentric Group

Johannesburg, October 11 2022 – The AfroCentric Group announced today that Sanlam Limited has submitted an offer to acquire a controlling stake in the healthcare company. Sanlam’s relationship with the Group dates back to 2015, when it embarked on a strategic venture into the healthcare sector, choosing AfroCentric as a strategic partner. This partnership saw… Read more »

Parents can play a meaningful role in their children’s mental health

In South Africa and across the world, a spotlight has been shone on mental health. Although the mental health epidemic in South Africa is affecting people of all ages, it is perhaps our children who are suffering in silence the most. A recent Unicef report found that 65% of young people with mental health-related issues… Read more »

AfroCentric annual results reflect a commitment to consumers amid challenging conditions

Highlights: Group revenue – up 8.0% B-BBEE rating – Level 1 Profit for the year – up 2.6% Basic earnings – up 4.1% Headline earnings – down 3.6% Off the back of a challenging operating environment and economic uncertainty, AfroCentric has released its annual results for the period ending 30 June 2022. According to CEO… Read more »

Manage the costs of your medical aid to make the best of your coverage

Dr Mike Marshall, executive manager: research and product development at the AfroCentric Group, offers five critical tips to help South Africans make the most of their medical aid. The cost of living has run rampant in 2022 and South Africans are desperate to cut costs wherever they can. While the COVID-19 pandemic saw individuals do… Read more »

It is time to confront the mental health issues faced by men

Education, acceptance, and engagement – AfroCentric Executive Manager for Research and Product Development Dr Mike Marshall provides three crucial steps to help destigmatise men’s mental health issues It comes as no shock that mental health issues are escalating as South Africans deal with an ongoing pandemic, record-high levels of unemployment, and continuous economic stagnation. According… Read more »

AfroCentric amps up member and wellness engagement to create a healthier South Africa

Using advanced technology and behavioural science, SA’s most diversified, majority black-owned health group listed on the JSE has a plan to improve the quality of health for South Africans – at no monthly subscription cost to members Johannesburg – The AfroCentric Group has launched AMP, a new digital wellness platform designed to integrate into medical… Read more »

AfroCentric group appoints Avsharn Bachoo as Group Technology Director

Johannesburg – South Africa’s most diversified, black-owned health group, AfroCentric, is delighted to announce the appointment of Avsharn Bachoo as Group Technology Director, effective from 1 May 2022. Bachoo is a technology strategist with over two decades of experience as a chief information officer and chief technology officer. Before joining AfroCentric Group, he was CIO… Read more »

AfroCentric calls on South Africans to get vaccinated against Flu, Covid-19

JOHANNESBURG – South Africans should prepare for the fast-approaching winter season by ensuring they get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19, the AfroCentric Group said as it marked the start of World Immunisation Week. Over the last two years, the incidence of common colds and flu has been low due to several public health measures… Read more »

AfroCentric earnings remain steadfast in the face of challenging economic and healthcare landscapes

Highlights: EBITDA: R535 million Group revenue: +10% Group operating profit: +4.6% Basic earnings: +5.6% Headline earnings: +3.4% Johannesburg, 15 March 2022 – Despite challenging market conditions and a shifting post-vaccine health landscape, the AfroCentric Group, the level-1 majority black-owned and most diversified healthcare group on the JSE, today announced a satisfactory set of interim results… Read more »

Three ways to protect yourself from Covid-19 during the holiday season

General Manager for Medical Advisory and Health Policy at the AfroCentric Group Dr Samukeliso Dube prepares South Africa for a COVID-safe festive season. Johannesburg, 21 December 2021 — Many South Africans are already enjoying the festive season, which has been made clearly evident by photos of Durban beaches already packed with holidaymakers. Although we should… Read more »

AfroCentric expects ‘wave of the unvaccinated’ amid uptick in Covid-19 infections

Johannesburg — Continued vaccine hesitancy in South Africa, along with excessive complacency among those who have been vaccinated, is likely to be a key driver of the fourth wave of infections, the AfroCentric Group said today, with Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Banderker saying it is likely to be “a wave of the unvaccinated”. Given… Read more »

AfroCentric’s Pharma cluster boosts group revenue as integration strategy yields positive results

Group declares 17c final gross dividend for investors Highlights Healthcare operating profit up 15.5% Profit after tax up 5.8% Headline earnings up 7.2% Normalised headline earnings excluding discontinued operations up 9.9% EBITDA: R1.1 billion Final gross dividend of 17 cents per ordinary share (gross) declared Johannesburg, 14 September 2021 — The AfroCentric Group (JSE:ACT) today… Read more »

AfroCentric Technologies CEO Sello Mmakau wins Global Health award

JOHANNESBURG, 25 AUGUST 2021 – The AfroCentric Group is delighted to announce that AfroCentric Group Chief Information Officer and CEO of AfroCentric Technologies Sello Mmakau has been named a winner in the CEO Today Healthcare Awards for 2021. CEO Today’s Healthcare Awards recognise the vital contribution made by those working in the healthcare sector, celebrating… Read more »

A race against the clock to vaccinate South Africas police force

Johannesburg, 5 July 2021 — Can 180,000 policemen and women get vaccinated before the 1 August? This is the mission of police force medical scheme Polmed, which provides health insurance to 80% of South Africa’s police force. Together with AfroCentric Group, Polmed is kicking off this vaccination drive today, 5 July, by opening up a… Read more »

AfroCentric Group data confirms third Covid-19 wave

Surge in Covid-19 admissions seen in the Northern Cape, the North West, the Free State and Gauteng Johannesburg, 27 May 2021 — The latest data from AfroCentric, SA’s most diversified majority black-owned health group listed on the JSE, has revealed that in the AfroCentric managed care population the cumulative Covid-19 positive hospital admissions have now… Read more »

Listed healthcare group to focus on vaccine & nurses’ needs as possible third wave approaches

JSE-listed AfroCentric Group has used its pull in the healthcare value chain to import 10,000 medical grade masks for DENOSA, handed over at an event today Group has received permission to operate multiple vaccination sites around South Africa, and gave media a first-hand view of their Roodepoort site today Johannesburg, 24 May 2021 — With… Read more »

AfroCentric Group ready for stage 2 of the vaccine rollout starting with members over 60

Johannesburg, 20 May 2021 — AfroCentric Group has announced that they are ready to support efforts to roll out vaccines to its medical scheme members aged 60 and the remaining healthcare professionals left over from phase 1. The Group, through specifically designated sites in the Western Cape (Cape Town), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) and Gauteng (Centurion and… Read more »

Opinion article – AfroCentric on Covid-19 vaccines educational drive

We need to vaccinate the mind before we vaccinate the body The fight against COVID-19 is said to become a challenge in education as well. By Ahmed Banderker, CEO of the AfroCentric Group Our President has entrusted us with a mission. While some would call it mission impossible, most of us would agree that we… Read more »

Wait two weeks between your Covid-19 and Flu vaccines cautions AfroCentric

If you are in a high risk group and qualify for prioritisation, make sure you get both vaccinations, says one of SA’s largest healthcare groups Johannesburg, 17 March 2021 — South Africans in high risk groups should take steps to ensure they receive both the influenza (“flu”) vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes… Read more »

AfroCentric’s healthy earnings robust strategy bearing fruit

Highlights: Group revenue: +25.2% Health services operating profit: +16.4% Group profit after tax: +13.6% NAV per share growth: 19.1% (CAGR) Interim gross dividend: 17c per ordinary share Johannesburg, 9 March 2021 — AfroCentric Group (JSE:ACT), an investment holdings company that owns and operates a diverse range of health-related enterprises, today announced a robust set of… Read more »

Three key ways the latest budget speech impacts healthcare in SA

Ahmed Banderker, CEO of AfroCentric Group, comments on yesterday’s Budget Speech With the funding and rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations acting as a centre-piece of the 2021 Budget Review, CEO of AfroCentric, South Africa’s largest diversified healthcare group, Ahmed Banderker, reacted positively to this year’s tabled National Budget, presented by Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni to… Read more »

AfroCentric partners with Navomix Health to roll out Covid-19 rapid testing at South African International Airports

Rapid testing stations at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports now opened Johannesburg, 25 February 2021 — JSE-listed healthcare group AfroCentric today announced it is rolling out Covid-19 rapid testing stations, in partnership with Navomix Health, a passenger medical services provider to ACSA, at two major South African airports. International travellers to OR Tambo… Read more »

AfroCentric readies itself for vaccine roll-out

South Africa’s largest black-owned and diversified health solutions business, AfroCentric is proud to keep the frontline strong and vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19. To bolster this cause, AfroCentric will utilise its network of 3,000 experienced and registered nurses who will travel anywhere in the country and have the ability to provide over 150,000 vaccinations… Read more »

Medscheme’s first wave hospital admissions data sets expectations for how the second wave will spread across SA

Johannesburg, 05 January 2021 – Medscheme, which is South Africa’s largest health risk management services provider and a division of AfroCentric, conducted a hospital admission analysis across all provinces to compare the first Covid-19 peak in July 2020 to the current second wave. The data shows that while Eastern and Western Cape seem to be… Read more »

Medscheme sets up network aimed to reduce costs of cataract procedures

Medscheme, a subsidiary of JSE listed health company AfroCentric Group, are set to introduce a network structure aimed at reducing costs for cataract operations. The network will allow for a global fee model and assured quality of service for members of medical schemes. “Through the network, members who need the procedure can have the assurance… Read more »

Behavioural change communication strategy for Covid-19

Meeting Recording: Click here to view meeting recording Access Password: 7F#@9kA%

Medscheme ready to deal with deluge of Covid-19 admissions

JOHANNESBURG, 16 July 2020 – As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rises every day in South Africa, Medscheme – the largest health risk management services provider – has assured members of the schemes that it administers, that it is collaborating with all private hospital groups to make sure that those positively diagnosed with Covid-19… Read more »

We can beat Covid-19 by outsmarting our old habits and forming new and different ones

Tragic events shape people and nations. Communities and nations are changed by events. Covid-19 is changing our destiny, and the destiny of nations and communities forever, writes Anna Mokgokong. Change is never easy. It is usually met with varying degrees of defiance, mistrust, scepticism, anxiety, and fear. Yet, in the final analysis, when communities and… Read more »

Opinion: Is Covid-19 a good test for public – private partnerships and the future of NHI

There is a saying that one should never let a crisis go to waste. At the end of the pandemic, we need to look at the learnings of all countries and apply them in the context of NHI, writes Ahmed Banderker. Is the coronavirus (Covid-19) a test run for the implementation of the National Health… Read more »

Lessons on self-reliance

To ride out any storm effectively, one should be self-reliant and resilient. That means one has to anticipate problems and have possible solutions ready. As we ride out the Covid-19 coronavirus storm, we need to figure out how self-reliant we are. How resilient are we as a nation? History has taught us that self-reliance and… Read more »

Lessons on self-reliance

Leadership on display

Opinion: Coronavirus calls on us to find new ways of doing business at home and abroad

We should continue the health education of promoting safer behaviours – hand washing, disinfection, masks, ventilation, and avoidance of risky contact and measures to strengthen our immune system, writes Anna Mokgokong As the coronavirus causes pandemonium, fear, mass quarantines and people switch to surgical masks in the hopes of avoiding infection, should we be concerned… Read more »

Let us commit to tackling the scourge of mental health in 2020

By Dr Lungi Nyathi They are popular bright youngsters with everything to live for. But behind the facade, some of our children live their lives with a sense of emptiness and self-loathing. Young people experience issues ranging from anxiety, problems sleeping, online addiction, anger issues or mood swings through to self-harm, eating disorders, depression and… Read more »

AfroCentric Group aquires dental benefit management company Denis Group

JOHANNESBURG, December 12, 2019 – AfroCentric Group, South Africa’s largest health administration and medical risk management solutions provider, has acquired the dental benefit management company, Dental Information Systems Holdings Proprietary Limited (DENIS Group). The acquisition of DENIS from EOH makes AfroCentric Group, which owns a health companies such as Medscheme, pharmaceutical distributor, Pharmacy Direct, drug… Read more »

Medscheme wins international award

Medscheme, supported by AfroCentric Technology, has won an international award at the 2019 FICO World Decisions Conference for Decision Management Innovation, at an event held in New York. Medscheme was recognised for its innovation in rebuilding its claims management system powered by the FICO® Blaze Advisor™ decision rules management system. Various sectors including banking have… Read more »

AfroCentric Group donates a vehicle to help Hospital School children

AfroCentric Group donated a vehicle to support the staff of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School. The vehicle will provide much needed transportation for the children and teachers of the school. The vehicle, which can transport up to 15 passengers at a time, was also fitted with features to accommodate patients with limited mobility. “AfroCentric… Read more »

AfroCentric group welcomes debate sparked by HMI final report

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 30, 2019– AfroCentric Group, South Africa’s largest health administration and medical risk management solutions provider, has welcomed the release of the Competition Commission’s final Health Market Inquiry (HMI) report, its findings and recommendations. Amongst others, the report outlines some key issues relating to the over-utilisation of health services and facilities. “We believe the… Read more »

AfroCentric remains resolute on enhancing quality of life

Johannesburg, 16 September 2019 – Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed healthcare entity, AfroCentric Group, recorded a 25.7% increase in total revenue for the financial year which ended June 2019. Profit after tax was flat for the period and reflects the increase in gearing and amortization in the group. The results were driven by a strong… Read more »

AfroCentric Group calls for a calm, cogent, phased introduction of NHI

JOHANNESBURG, August 23, 2019 – South Africa’s largest health administration and medical risk management solutions provider, AfroCentric Group, said while it supported affordable health care for all, the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill was still vague and implementation details, particularly funding were still uncertain. The group, which owns health companies such as Medscheme, medicines distributor,… Read more »

Right of reply

No, medical aids haven’t gone rogue Fraudulent activities, waste and abuse have forced the industry to be vigilant By Lungi Nyathi A Gauteng doctor was recently sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after being convicted of 259 counts of medical aid fraud. He used a “runner” who provided details of medical aid members to him and… Read more »

Lets carry Maxeke’s legacy by walking in her footsteps

By Dr Anna Mokgokong More than 140 years after her birth and 80 years after her death, Charlotte Maxeke’s legacy, pioneering and trendsetting spirit and torchbearer status, are still being felt across the Rainbow Nation. At the second conference of the National Council of African Women (NCAW) in 1938 in Bloemfontein, a year before her… Read more »

A loving home for every child

A loving home for every child SOS Children’s Villages Namibia’s core business remains the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. Michelline Nawatises SOS Children’s Villages Namibia is a non-governmental and non-denominational, child-focused organisation that provides direct services in the areas of care, education and health for children at risk of losing parental care, or who… Read more »

AfroCentric quietly builds the medicine chest

AfroCentric quietly builds medicine chest 1 t’s not an obvious association, but AfroCentric, the listed BEE health care investment. Company that owns Medscheme, has quietly become the biggest dispenser of medicines by script volumes in the country. Through a deal with the department of health in 2018, the company’s pharmacy courier unit, Pharmacy Direct, now… Read more »

The doc who worked 491 hours a day, and other tales of healthcare fraud

Medscheme healthcare forensics practitioner took this photo of a surgery, which was claiming R1m for medication despite the fact that the ‘surgery’ was not operating. Medical practitioners heard astonishing stories of fake medical aid claims at a summit discussing fraud in the industry, which started in Johannesburg on Thursday. Paul Midlane, general manager of healthcare… Read more »

Allegations are incorrect and not factual – Funds recovered benefit you the members

There have been social media posts about billing of customers recently, these statements are inaccurate and not factual. Medical schemes only recover from healthcare providers who ‘over-service’ or ‘over-charge’ their patients from their medical funds for services not provided to members. Many of the funds recovered are fraudulent or false claims. When funds are recovered… Read more »

AfroCentric’s Van Buuren retires, to be succeeded by Sanlam’s Banderker

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 13, 2019 – Antoine van Buuren, the Chief Executive Officer of AfroCentric Group, the provider of administration and risk management services to the health-care industry, will retire at the end of March, the company said on Wednesday. His desire to step down has been accepted by the Board of Directors and Ahmed Banderker,… Read more »

Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) formerly (SNPF), has acquired a 25 percent stake in Medscheme Eswatini

The share acquisition was announced by Medscheme Eswatini Chairman Prince David during a share certificate signing ceremony between the two entities on Friday at Happy Valley Hotel. The chairman said Medscheme’s ultimate shareholder, AfroCentric Investment Corporation, mandated them to sell up to 49 per cent of Medscheme Eswatini’s shares to local partners as part of… Read more »

Healing is made easier

HEALTH Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and AfroCentric Group chairwoman Anna Mokgokong opened a new chronic medication distribution centre yesterday. The centre aims to create about 4 000 jobs while making it easier for patients to receive pre­scription medication at clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and even schools and churches. At the opening event held in Cen­turion, Tshwane, Mokgokong… Read more »

Medscheme recovers millions in healthcare fraud, waste

Anthony Pedersen JOHANNESBURG – Medscheme, South Africa’s largest manager of medical schemes, has recovered over R107 milllion claimed fraudulently and through waste or abuse and more than R300 million in reduced claims through forensic interventions, the company said on Sunday. “Using the company’s robust data analytics system, Medscheme was able to identify claims that fell… Read more »

Resignation of Medscheme Holdings CEO and appointment of new CEO

Johannesburg (17 January 2018) – AfroCentric Group announces the resignation of Mr Kevin Aron, the CEO of AfroCentric Group subsidiary, Medscheme. “After a career spanning just over two decades with the Group, Kevin has decided on a career change to pursue other interests. His departure is a sad loss to AfroCentric as he has played… Read more »

Fight HIV-AIDS in the workplace

KEITH Sososo, a worker at a food and beverage company, had a bright future until one fateful day in June when he told his boss a piece of devastating news he learned just the day before. He had tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can cause Aids. Sososo, not his real name,… Read more »

The JSE-listed AfroCentric Group is on an upward trajectory as it continues to expand its comprehensive portfolio

AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited is an investment holding company that is substantially invested in healthcare. The company was established in 2008 and is listed under the healthcare sector on the JSE. Through its operating subsidiaries, AfroCentric provides health administration and health risk-management solutions to the healthcare funding industry. In addition, AfroCentric provides a range of complementary services to its traditional… Read more »

AfroCentric Group and Vision 4 Change handover prescription glasses to Alex learners

Alexandra, November 14, 2017 – AfroCentric Group and Vision-4-Change handed over prescription glasses to more than 40 learners of Emfundisweni Primary School in Alexandra. The aim of this initiative is to help enhance their vision and achieve their academic potential. Palesa Modisane from AfroCentric Group and Cyndy Mokoena from Vision 4 Change and at the back… Read more »

Opinion: Mental illness has serious ramifications for the workplace

JOHANNESBURG – As the Life Esidimeni saga and enquiry lays bare mental health challenges in our communities, why should employers consider psychiatric illness a workplace issue? It is a reality that stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are all examples of mental health disorders which may impact on someone in the workplace…. Read more »

Healthy people contribute to a healthy economy

Analysis GRACE KHOZA Should a government be concerned with its citizens’ health, or only with their economic security and education? How much healthcare should be provided by the government, if any, and who should receive it? As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the National Development Plan 2030 NDP, regarded as the country’s most strategic… Read more »

Expanding reach of active disease risk management

Meeting Report One of the major challenges facing South African medical providers and funders alike is the lack of impact the country’s services is having on the prevalence and management of chronic disease. in real-life situations. There are excellent self-management programmes for people with chronic disease,” Ball added, explaining that Medscheme staff once attended the… Read more »

Shortage of doctors stretches health-care system to limit

DOCTORS have one of the most privileged jobs in the world – helping patients and improving the health of the nation. What doctors do is often wonderful, inspiring and life-affirming. They hold our health and sometimes our lives in their hands. They heal, comfort and are our friends when we are at a loss of… Read more »

AfroCentric donates vehicle to Vosloorus Maternity Clinic

VOSLOORUS, October 10, 2017 – AfroCentric Group has donated a new vehicle to Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic to empower it, improve its resources, and ensure easier access to quality healthcare for the community of Vosloorus and the surrounding areas. The donation forms part of the JSE listed company’s enterprise development programme in which the clinic is one… Read more »

The haleness of disruptive innovation

Should the health-care system change to save it? Yes, argues FARAYI CHINYANGA HISTORIANS remind us that we can’t have a better tomorrow if we are thinking about yesterday all the time. We are advised that having a vision does not ensure greatness, but the lack of vision surely prevents it. The challenge in crafting a… Read more »

Women’s issues must stay in focus

WOMEN’s Month in South Africa winds down, and with it the focus on issues pertinent to women will shift, until perhaps November 25 when we take up the cudgels again on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children…. Read more »

Private healthcare industry set to play larger role in NHI

Private healthcare industry set to play larger role in NHI The private healthcare industry has the expertise and capacity to help the government improve public health under National Health Insurance (NHI), AfroCentric CEO Antoine van Buuren says, citing his company’s recent experience delivering medicines to state patients as a case in point. The Department of… Read more »

Pharmacy Direct notice on delivery of medication

Pharmacy Direct has noted with concern matters raised by some customers in social and mainstream media. Pharmacy Direct has a proud 13-year track record of on time medicine deliveries of 99% and every effort is made to maintain this. Most of the issues raised by customers relate to co-payments that are due (the portion of… Read more »

Fraud, abuse rife in private healthcare

Fraud, abuse rife in private healthcare Schemes pay more than 92% of contributions directly to expenses, writes Alf James private healthcare is a privilege few could afford without medical aid or health insurance. As the cost of private healthcare continues to escalate with above inflationary increases year on year, choosing a medical scheme able to… Read more »

Learnerships and internships

South Africa is facing a crisis. Unemployment is steadily rising and our scarce skills are consistently emigrating. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting poor. Every year, thousands of youth matriculate and thousands more graduate. We have highly energetic, passionate young people leaving their places of education and the reality is, they… Read more »

AfroCentric Group and Medscheme bags three awards in one week

AfroCentric Group and its subsidiary, Medscheme, received three awards when the health and medical aid sector recognised them for efficiency, innovation, member experience and employee wellness in the industry. At the annual Board of Healthcare Funders’ (BHF) conference in Cape Town, Medscheme was recognised with the Titanium award for Service Excellence in Administration. AfroCentric Group… Read more »

AfroCentric Group and Medscheme honoured for innovation and efficiency

OHANNESBURG, July 20, 2017– The health and medical aid sector has honoured Medscheme, for efficiency, innovation and member experience in the industry. The recognition, through an award, was conferred to Medscheme, a subsidiary of AfroCentric Group, this week at the Annual Board of Healthcare Funders’ (BHF) conference, held in Cape Town. AfroCentric Group were also… Read more »

Why you are paying more for less

By Paul Midlane Everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else when it comes to the reasons why the cost of private healthcare continues soaring into above inflationary increases year-on-year. Choosing a medical scheme is considered a necessary evil, the cost of which is reluctantly absorbed due to the ever-present of public healthcare services, however the… Read more »

Public private partnerships, the cog for improving the health of our nation

By Antoine Van Buuren “The wise and virtuous man is at all times willing that his own private interest should be sacrificed to the public interest,” said Adam Smith, the 18th century philosopher renowned as the father of modern economics, and a major proponent of Laissez-faire economic policies. In essence, through Laissez-faire – – French for allow… Read more »

AfroCentric bursary offers to nurture medical students

PRETORIA, May 30, 2017 – AfroCentric Group has spent almost a million towards bursaries on four students studying medicine, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) at two Tshwane universities. Three of the students, Tovhowani Mulovhedzi (17), Risuna Rivombo (18),  and Maggie Ramela, (23), are studying at University of Pretoria, while the fourth, Masana Baloyi (22), is… Read more »

Medscheme to provide additional managed care services to SAMWUMED

AMWUMED has announced that it will be extending its partnership with Medscheme, a leading medical aid health administration and managed care organisation. SAMWUMED, a prominent medical scheme for local government and associated services employees, has announced that it will be extending its partnership with Medscheme, one of the leading medical aid health administration and managed… Read more »

Cutting medical aid costs for a win-win solution

THEY say when you have your health, you have everything. Therefore it’s good that we are more health conscious than ever before. We try to get more exercise, make healthier food choices and educate ourselves on health issues. However, we cannot escape how costly health insurance (medical aid) has become. So what can you do… Read more »

Celebrating SAS business leaders

CNBC Africa broadcast an All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) Southern Africa highlights special on 6 October at 7pm on DStv Channel 410. The awards recognised Africa’s bold leaders of business in East, West and southern Africa. The southern African winners were announced on 29 September and will go on to compete against their peers… Read more »

Largest medical scheme amalgamation gets green light

The much anticipated amalgamation between Bonitas Medical Fund (Bonitas) and LMS Medical Scheme (previously known as Liberty Medical Scheme) – the largest transaction of its kind in the SA healthcare industry – has received the stamp of approval by the Competition Commission and the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS), effective 1 October 2016. Dr Bobby… Read more »

AfroCentric posts profit increase

MEDICAL scheme administrator AfroCentric yesterday reported a R218.57 million after tax profit for the year ended June compared with R178 .77m during the previous corresponding period last year. The firm said its operating profit went marginally up to R376.36m than the R372.07m recorded during the similar period last year. It said the acquisition of WAD… Read more »

Women urged to open doors for others

WELLKNOWN business mogul and philanthropist, Dr Anna Mokgokong, has encouraged business women in key positions to open doors for other women. She emphasised strongly that through such efforts women will become activists that bring change. Mokgokong was addressing a packed auditorium at a women’s seminar held by the Empowerment Ministries International Church at the Protea Hotel… Read more »

Doc scores multibillion gas deal

VETERAN entrepreneur and prolific dealmaker Dr Anna Mokgokong believes that a R14-billion gas project she is working on will propel her to greater heights. Companies associated with the executive chairwoman of Community Investment Hold­ing (CIH) employ more than 40 000 people. “For six years I’ve been working on this gas project and now I have… Read more »

More women role models needed

IN A WORLD where power dynamics call for strong, capable leadership, the workplace is where the first nuances of building character and leadership traits are nurtured. Tomorrow’s generation needs to know and relate to people that can inspire them to outstanding success. We all need role models. Business leaders, particularly successful business women, need to… Read more »

Medscheme honoured for service excellence in health administration and managed care

From left Ms. Fiona Reynolds: Principal Officer OMSMAF, Mr. Tim Rametse: Managing Director: AfroCentric Health Solutions, Mr. Kevin Aron: CEO: Medscheme Holdings, Dr. Bobby Ramasia: Principal Executive Officer Bonitas, Dr. Lungi Nyathi: Director: Healthcare Management Medscheme, a subsidiary of AfroCentric Health, received top honours for service excellence in medical aid administration and managed care at… Read more »

The haleness of disruptive innovation

Should the healthcare system change to save it? Yes, argues FARAYI CHINYANGA HISTORIANS remind us that we can’t have a better tomorrow if we are thinking about yesterday all the time. We are advised that having a vision does not ensure greatness, but the lack of vision surely prevents it. The challenge in crafting a… Read more »

‘Strive to get into positions of power’

Women of 1956 set the benchmark, says Shabangu WHEN the 20 000 women of 1956 ignored the call by men to abandon plans to march to the Union Buildings simply because they were women, they set the benchmark for strength in unity. That is where the women of today should move from to become leaders,… Read more »

I can’t afford to have breast cancer

The survival rate of breast cancer may be increasing, but so is the cost of treatment, finds Alina Hardcastle. In his budget speech last month, Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced his commitment to reduce the cost of breast cancer drugs, Herceptin, which currently cost R500 000 a year. This follows similar action by Motsoaledi… Read more »

Shortage of doctors stretches health care system to limit

DOCTORS have one of the most privileged jobs in the world – helping patients and improving the health of the nation. What doctors do is often wonderful, inspiring and life-affirming. They hold our health and sometimes our lives in their hands. They heal, comfort and are our friends when we are at a loss of… Read more »

Charlotte Maxeke school gets revamped

PARKTOWN – The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School receives R800 000 in renovations. Pupils at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital are excited for their winter accessories from AfroCentric Health. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School received a helping hand from AfroCentric Health to give their school a facelift. AfroCentric Health has worked hard to renovate the… Read more »

SA’s top companies to collaborate with vision 2030 summit

Topco Media is excited to host the second annual Vision 2030 Summit, 8-9 June 2016 at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg. The Minister in the Presidency and chairperson of the National Planning Commission, the Honourable Jeff Radebe will once again open the Summit. Other prominent speakers include Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, South African politician… Read more »

Results of the general meeting – Scheme of arrangement

The Board of Directors of AfroCentric Health hereby advises that at the General Meeting of shareholders held on Thursday, 12 May 2016, the following resolutions, as set out in the notice of the General Meeting which was incorporated in the circular distributed to shareholders on 25 February 2016 were duly approved by the requisite majority… Read more »

Predictive modelling – A key to sustaining healthcare in the future

The award winning Medscheme Health Intelligence Unit (HIU) was recently invited to present at the Johns Hopkins University 2016 ACG® System International Conference. HIU delivered an update on Medscheme’s work using predictive modelling to inform the design of health risk capture strategies. “The predictive modelling tool was developed for the implementation of the Emerging Risk… Read more »

Liberating by educating

FREEDOM Day, on 27 April, is dedicated to the first democratic elections in South Africa. Nothing shouts freedom quite as loud as an education, and that is why Gallo Manor-based business, Putco, decided to celebrate freedom month by awarding 23 tertiary education bursaries to students. Putco is the largest and oldest South African public bus… Read more »

Making the most – Thats Anna Mokgokong

A successful woman who feels our city leads from the front. Once upon a time, Pretoria businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong and I were schoolgirls in Swaziland where both our fathers were teachers. We didn’t know each other back then but this coincidence came to light when we met at her beautiful home in Waterkloof Ridge… Read more »

B-BBEE – Who’s going beyond compliance

Committed organisations will be recognised at the 15th annual Oliver Empowerment Awards on Thursday, 14 April 2016 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, where the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor and the CEO of BUSA Khanyisile Kweyama are expected to speak. Some of the award finalists include Woolworths, City of Tshwane, Sun International, Murray… Read more »

Market cover

POTENTIAL AMALGAMATION BETWEEN BONITAS MEDICAL FUND AND LIBERTY MEDICAL SCHEME Two of South Africa’s most prominent medical schemes, Bonitas Medical Fund (‘Bonitas’) and Liberty Medical Scheme (‘LMS’), are in discussions to amalgamate to create an even stronger and more sustainable medical scheme that will provide enhanced cover and benefits to their respective members. If successful,… Read more »

Proposed sugar tax outweighs hit to our pockets

HAVE you ever wondered why chocolate cake is on many people’s list of comfort foods? Or why it is that we continue to indulge in ice cream and sweets, even when we aren’t really hungry? Why is it that it is sometimes almost impossible to resist a sweet fizzy drink? We all know that gyms… Read more »

Executive moves

Antoine Vorster van Buuren has been appointed CEO of AfroCentric Investment Corp. Source: Financial Mail

‘Even in tough times, the elephant must dance’ Sanlam boss

If Ian Kirk is having a tough time adapting to his relatively new job as the group chief executive of Sanlam, he knows how to hide it. Image goes here Taking over from Johan van Zyl was never going to be easy. Van Zyl, an academic-turned-business superstar who ran the group from 2003 to 2015,… Read more »

Bonitas and Liberty Medical Scheme set to merge, in industry’s biggest ever transaction

Two of South Africa’s most prominent medical schemes, Bonitas Medical Fund and Liberty Medical Scheme, are in discussions to amalgamate. Consolidation amongst medical schemes is an increasing trend, which is indicative of the current healthcare industry and the new scheme is likely to create an even stronger and more sustainable medical scheme, boasting a combined… Read more »

Amazon puts roots in SA

While global online retail company Amazon.com widens its net with online food shopping and walk-in bookstores, its web services division is making inroads in South Africa. Amazon Web Services says it is recruiting 250 people for its offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The company offers cloud computing for other companies. Cloud computing refers to… Read more »

Putting people first

SekelaXabiso’s CEO Lindani Dhlamini talks about transforming intent into action to build South African businesses It should be no secret that fast growing internal audit and consulting firm SekelaXabiso is growing in confidence by the day and is ready to offer its services already much praised in the public sector to the country’s big corporates… Read more »

US-SA business partners sought – Citizen second edition

South African business-woman Anna Mokgokong is in the US business capital New York this week to increase trade and investment partnerships at the heart of the black industrialists programme. In a statement before arriving at the Annual Wall Street Economic Summit, Mokgokong said the programme would be a catalyst that will provide a ‘multiplier effect’… Read more »

Born for business

When she was young her dream was to be an actress, but being business savvy led Dr Anna Mokgokong into the world where she still stands out as a shining star. Born into a family of six, Dr Anna Mokgokong’s first interaction with an inspirational woman was with her mother who came from a poor… Read more »

Donation will help keep girls in school

“We are truly honoured to be able to support the sterling work of Home of Hope for Girls.” Founder of Home of Hope, Ms Khanyisile Motsa, with Mr Luke Harwood from Medscheme and the cheque of R250 000. AfroCentric Health, through its subsidiary Medscheme, recently made a donation of R250 000 and 75 shoe boxes… Read more »

Sanlam acquires 28.7% stake in ACT Healthcare assets for R703m

Sanlam media release Sanlam is pleased to announce that the requisite approvals have now been obtained to complete the previously announced transaction for the acquisition of a 28.7% stake in the issued share capital of AfroCentric Healthcare Assets Proprietary Limited (AHA) for R703 million. AHA is a wholly owned subsidiary of AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited… Read more »

Executive moves

Lindani Dhlamini AfroCentric Investment Corp Dhlamini, the cofounder and CEO of SekelaXabiso, has been appointed an independent nonexecutive director. Source: Newsclip

AfroCentric Health revitalizes small businesses

You often hear of enterprise development of black owned small businesses in other fields but seldom in the private health sector. But one company is making a mark. Recently, AfroCentric Health, the supplier of sustainable health solutions, has affirmed its continuous support for a number of black-owned small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the healthcare… Read more »

AfroCentric Health

AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited (AfroCentric) and houses AfroCentric’s healthcare assets. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE KEY CHALLENGES FOR SA BUSINESS IN 2015? The key challenges for South African businesses are around areas of collaboration, improved productivty, innovation, change and resilience — all of which are aligned to global challenges. Name Lee Callakoppen Occupation and… Read more »

Leading from the front

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL not only broadens the mind, but being well-travelled provides leaders with a competitive edge in the workplace. Getting a view of the bigger global picture and learning adaptability are important milestones in the life of a leader. Dr Anna Mokgokong, or simply Dr Anna as she is warmly referred to, knows all about that…. Read more »

AfroCentric supports local business

A Bedfordview based company, The Media and Writer’s Firm, is one of the 11 companies that benefited from an R8-million investment by a health care company. AfroCentric Health Transformation Coordinator Ms Nonjabulo Madungandaba and Mr Rich Mkhondo from the Bedfordview based company, The Media and Writer’s Firm The AfroCentric Health Group recently announced that 11 black-owned… Read more »

Women do it themselves

Prominent South African businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong, who has been honoured across the world for her business acumen and contribution to her country’s socio-economic development, talks to African Independent about the gains and challenges facing African entrepreneurs. TOUGH AT TOP: Pretoria businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong has built a successful business career. African Independent (AI): How… Read more »

Black economic empowerment takes a bow

IT’S ALL about black economic empowerment for Community Investment Holdings (CIH), a company which this week celebrated its 20th anniversary at an event at which President Jacob Zuma stopped by to pay his respects, much to the delight of co-founder Dr Anna Mokgokong. Dr Anna Mokgokong, chairwoman of CIH, is congratulated by President Jacob Zuma… Read more »

Black industrialists are changing the rules of the game

When Community Investment Holdings was founded twenty years ago, the vision was very clear: to join the mainstream economy and today the company has grown in leaps and bounds with interest in six vital areas of the economy ; healthcare, technology and telecommunications, logistics, mining, power and energy. Premier at the 69 Summer Place in… Read more »

Paving the way for sustainable healthcare

AfroCentric Health is committed to fostering a relationship between the private and public healthcare sectors for the benefit of all South Africans Antoine van Buuren, Group CEO, AfroCentric Health AfroCentric Health believes the key to sustainable healthcare is through partnerships and putting the patient at the centre of the process. ‘As a group, we place… Read more »

4-steps to keep your staff happy and healthy

Your employees are the most convincing brand ambassadors for your organisation. But can also be your most ruthless critics. As the people who experience your company culture first-hand and ultimately “live your brand”, they are a product of what you stand for. So it makes sound business sense to create a working environment in which… Read more »

Medscheme awarded POLMED administration and managed care contracts

The Trustees of the South African Police Service Medical Scheme (POLMED) recently announced the award of both its administration and managed care contracts to Medscheme (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of AfroCentric Health Limited, which in turn is a subsidiary of black-owned and controlled, AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited (AfroCentric). POLMED provides medical benefits to employees of… Read more »

Medscheme: Making an impact in the medical industry

“Medscheme’s business model”, he says, “is quite complex because it’s a multischeme administrator and health risk management company, so it has multiple clients and some of those clients compete against each other.” Image goes here “One of the key leadership traits that you need to have is resilience. You need to have courage to make… Read more »

New payment integrity platform to cut healthcare fraud in Southern Africa

Partnership between AfroCentric’s Helios ITS and FICO pioneers a new approach to improve the integrity of SA’s healthcare system. The AfroCentric Health Group (AfroCentric) announced a strategic partnership that establishes the South African healthcare industry’s first leading fraud management solution. The partnership sees AfroCentric’s heathcare IT services subsidiary, Helios IT Solutions (Helios ITS) and global… Read more »

Medscheme and SASES to pilot new funding model

Medscheme and the SA Society of Endoscopic Surgeons (SASES) have revealed a joint plan to address the challenges associated with funding laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. According to Senior Actuary at Medscheme, Simon Dreyer, a laparoscopic appendectomy can cost nearly 50% more than an open appendectomy due to the cost of additional consumables that are used by surgeons to perform… Read more »

Executive moves

Wallace Holmes has retired as Group CFO of AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited. Hannes Boonzaaier has been appointed Executive Director and Group CFO.

Medscheme announces roll-out of an electronic medical records platform – less administration for GPS

Although the benefits offered by Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) to both healthcare professionals as well as healthcare administrators have long been recognised, uptake has been slow both locally and internationally. This now looks set to change as Medscheme, a subsidiary of the AfroCentric Health Group and South Africa’s largest health risk management services provider, today… Read more »

AfroCentric Health Limited demonstrates victory in HR strategy

AfroCentric Health Limited wins two awards – Best HR Strategic Plan and Best Health and Well Being Strategy at Careers24 The Future of HR Awards on 23 July. “We are honoured to be recipients of these two awards. This highlights the fact that HR strategy is central to the achievement of the business outcome,” Lee… Read more »

Bright future for black industrialists

Some of the most commonly asked questions on the economy and business are: How do big businesses and companies, small and medium enterprises thrive, reduce unemployment and poverty by creating jobs. In short, how does a country spur economic growth? Dr Anna Mokgokong received the Rainbow PUSH Wall Street project award from American civil rights… Read more »

‘The world is your oyster’

Businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong wants to empower others The cabinets are stacked with trophies honouring her entrepreneurial spirit. The acclaim comes from both at home and abroad. As co-founder and Group Executive Chairperson of one of South Africa’s leading black empowerment companies, Community Investment Holdings (CIH), DrAnna Mokgokong chairs an empire that turns over R18… Read more »

The next chapter

Johan van Zyl changed the business in key ways it will be tough for successor Ian Kirk to match, but Sanlam’s new CE is a specialist at sweating assets, writes Stephen Cranston It is easy to forget what a rundown, tired business Sanlam was perceived to be when Johan van Zyl took over as CEO… Read more »

Building a robust business empire

BY BUHLE NDWENI Internationally acclaimed entrepreneur Anna Mokgokong was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Premier Business Awards. A medical doctor by training, she has come a long way from her days as a medical officer at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital (now known as Dr George Mukhari Hospital) in the north of… Read more »

Black businessmen ‘are too territorial’

Black men in top management positions in South African companies are still keeping the boardroom doors closed to women. This is according to business leader Dr Anna Mokgokong, who says: “They had the same problems as us [black women], but other men brought them in. Now that they’re there, they want to protect their positions.”… Read more »

Dr Anna Mokgokong businesswoman and philanthropist

One of South Africa’s most inspiring businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr Anna Mokgokong, was on 9 April 2015, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014/15 South African Premier Business Awards. The awards, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with Proudly South African and Brand South Africa, recognise business excellence… Read more »

Help us grow SA, Ramaphosa tells entrepreneurs

Cape Town – Entrepreneurs, think not only about what you would like to achieve for yourself, but also what you would like to achieve for our nation. That is according to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who gave the keynote speech at the third annual SA Premier Business Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday evening…. Read more »

AfroCentric sees positive future

BLACK economic empowerment (BEE)-styled healthcare firm AfroCentric Investment Corporation reported 26.6% growth in profit during the six months ended December and said more growth can be expected going forward due to acquisitions. Read more

Accolades rain on Medscheme

Medscheme, the largest health risk management services provider and the third largest medical scheme administrator in South Africa, dominated the 2014 PMR Awards scooping an impressive 14 awards, underlining its position as the country’s foremost managed healthcare firm. Kevin Aron, Chief Executive Officer, Medscheme beaming with the awards. Source: FA NEWS (Financial and Advisory News )

Accolades rain on Medscheme at PMR awards

Medscheme, the largest health risk management services provider and the third largest medical scheme administrator in South Africa dominated the 2014 PMR Awards scooping an impressive 14 awards, underlining its position as the country’s foremost managed healthcare firm. Medscheme won seven prestigious Diamond Arrow awards for excellence in Chronic Medication Management, Counselling of High Claimers,… Read more »

Paving the way for community: Mokgokong receives top award

DR ANNA Mokgokong, chairwoman of Community Investment Holdings, recently won the SABC Capital City Business Leader of the Year Award for 2014. Mokgokong’s entrepreneurship skills date back to her childhood when she sold sandwiches at school. Later, as a medical student, she started a retail business selling leather handbags. Decades later she now has various… Read more »

Scooters donated to fight Ebola

The AfroCentric Health group donated 17 scooters to the department of health on 18 November to help in the fight against Ebola in West Africa. The scooters were donated in aid of the department’s Ebola Response Fund. Dr Anna Mokgokong, chairperson of AfroCentric Health and Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, with one of the… Read more »

She’s a capital leader in the world of business

FROM humble beginnings as a hawker, to a doctor, to eventually owning a company employing 40 000 people. That is part of the story that has culminated in a Pretoria woman receiving the SABC Capital City Business Leader Of The Year 2014. The award – conferred by the national broadcaster SABC & the Capital City… Read more »

SA wheels out Ebola response

THE call by the national Department of Health to create the Ebola Response Fund to assist affected regions in Africa to address humanitarian and social crises unfolding has been heeded. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will today receive 17 emergency response scooters with a total value of R250 000 from chairperson of AfroCentric Health Group Dr… Read more »

SABC Capital City Business Leader of the year award winner announced

Dr Anna Mokgokong, Chairperson, Community Investment Holdings has been awarded the SABC Capital City Business Leader of the Year Award for 2014. The award conferred by the national broadcaster SABC & the Capital City Business Chamber honoured Dr Mokgokong for her contribution towards the economic growth of the capital city and her spirit and determination… Read more »

Sanlam the most active insurer in M&A?

Offers SA investors exposure to 11 different African countries. Sanlam has taken centre stage this week with the announcement of two transactions; one at home in South Africa with AfroCentric Investment and the other in Kenya, through its emerging markets arm. The acquisition of a 28.7% stake in the issued share capital of AfroCentric Healthcare Assets, a… Read more »

Two material deals position the group for growth

CAPE TOWN – On Tuesday small cap AfroCentric announced two separate deals that the market seemed to like. The company’s share price bounced 9% on the announcements that came out together with its annual results to the end of June 2014. AfroCentric is a black-controlled investment holding company, with a market capitalisation of around R2.3… Read more »

Sanlam to acquire stake in AfroCentric Healthcare Assets Proprietary Limited

Sanlam is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to acquire a 28.7% stake in the issued share capital of AfroCentric Healthcare Assets (Proprietary) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited (AfroCentric). The transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent. This transaction will result in Sanlam holding an effective 27% in… Read more »

Deal between Sanlam and AfroCentric

Cape Town – Black-controlled listed group AfroCentric Investment Corporation [JSE:ACT] (AfroCentric) and Sanlam [JSE:SLM] have reached agreements for the issue to Sanlam of a 28.7% interest in AfroCentric’s wholly-owned subsidiary AfroCentric Healthcare Assets. This will result in Sanlam holding an effective 27% in Medscheme. The transaction is subject to certain suspensive conditions being fulfilled or… Read more »

AfroCentric gains for second day

HEALTHCARE | AfroCentric, the holding firm of Medscheme, gained 4.55% to R4.60 on Friday after Thursday’s 10 % jump after it said it expected to report on September 30 that diluted headline earnings per share for the year to June rose 65%-70% from the previous year’s 28.62c. Staff Writer Source: Business Day

Meet Dr Anna Mokgokong and her R18bn a year empire

For the past seven years, Destiny magazine has brought readers engaging and powerful women who’ve taken advantage of what the dawn of democracy brought economically, Dr Anna Mokgokong is one such woman. Dr Mokgokong’s business empire has sizeable turnover of R18bn a year. The entrepreneurial bug bit while she was still in school where she sold sandwiches… Read more »

The Doctor Is In

Despite the weighty demands of a business empire spanning healthcare, technology, logistics, mining and energy, Dr Anna Mokgokong is dedicated to uplifting other women as well. Read more about The Doctor is in

Anna Mokgokong

A medical doctor by profession, Dr Anna Mokgokong set off in 1995 to start what has today become one of South Africa’s biggest business success stories. Abusinesswoman who has received international acclaim for her entrepreneurial ability – co-owner of Community Investment Holdings (and South Africa’s Business Woman of the Year in 1999), Dr Anna Mokgokong… Read more »

Value in IPAS

The vast majority of fulltime GPs have realised the importance of joining Independent Practitioners Associations (IPAs), according to Dr Tony Behrman, Chief Executive Officer of the IPA Foundation (IPAF). IPAF is the overarching unifying body of many of the IPA movements in SA. Dr Behrman says in the past three years, the IPAF has made… Read more »

Back to health

Embracing the principles of BBBEE, Medscheme supports the participation of SA’s previously disadvantaged in the development of a healthy nation and vibrant economy Read more about Back to health

AfroCentric rises on cautionary

AfroCentric rose as much as 13.95% to an intraday high of R4.90 yesterday and closed 9.3% higher at R4.70, a day after the holding company, whose main investment is Medscheme, released a cautionary statement saying it had entered into discussions. Staff Writer Source: Business Day

AfroCentric under cautionary

Market speculation is that this may relate to a further investment in subsidiary Medscheme. JSE-listed investment holding company AfroCentric Investment Corporation announced today via the Stock Exchange News Service (Sens) that the company has entered into negotiations that may impact the share price. Market speculation is that this may relate to a further investment in… Read more »

Medscheme: Aron to step us as Group Chief

Medscheme had promoted its managing director to chief executive, it said yesterday. Kevin Aron, who has served at Medscheme since 2001, will take over next month from acting chief executive Wallace Holmes. Previous chief executive André Meyer left the group in January. Aron will look after the African and international operations in addition to the… Read more »

Medscheme South Africas managing director has been appointed the permanent head of the multi-medical aid scheme administrator, Medscheme Holdings

There’s a new leading man at the helm of Medscheme Holdings. Kevin Aron, the current managing director of Medscheme South Africa, which administers various medical aid schemes including Government Employees Medical Scheme, Bonitas, SABC Medical Aid Scheme, Nedgroup Medical Aid Group and Sasolmed, has been appointed the new permanent CEO of the group. An announcement… Read more »

Adcock reshuffles its board after Bidvest triumphs

PHARMACEUTICAL firm Adcock Ingram has emerged from a bitter takeover fight, won by Bidvest Group, with a reshuffled board. Adcock Ingram announced the latest changes to its board on Friday with three new members taking up their positions. The new members of the board introduced are Anna Mokgokong, Roshan Morar and Lindsay Ralphs. They join… Read more »

AfroCentric interim operating profit jumps 7%

BLACK-owned investment holding company AfroCentric on Monday reported a 7% increase in operating profit to R145m for the six months ended December, thanks to organic revenue growth from its Medscheme subsidiary. Group revenue was up 14% to R937m, while diluted headline earnings per share jumped 48% to 26.09c. This was, in part, a result of… Read more »

AfroCentric appoints auditors

AfroCentric Investment on Thursday said it had appointed Sizwe Ntsaluba Goboda and Pwc as its joint external auditors for the financial year ending June 30.

Nominee CFO AwardA: Wallace Holmes. CFO AfroCentric

Wallace Holmes is nominated for the CFO Awards. Here below the factsheet of Wallace and AfroCentric is shown. The factsheet together with his jury interview will be used to determine the CFO Award winners.   Wallace Holmes AfroCentric Investment Corporation Chief Financial Officer  Nationality: South African CFO since: 2010 Other current positions: • CFO and director… Read more »

Finweek hidden value

THE AFROCENTRIC graph over the last month makes for sad reading.Especially if you are the Editor of Finweek and keep telling people that the investment case for this company is sound. At R4/share (where the counter trades at the time of writing), 19% of the value is made up in cash and the 15c/share dividend.Importantly, AfroCentric carries this… Read more »

Finweek – Trader’s Alley

Read more about Finweek – Trader’s Alley

Business day upbeat- AfroCentric lifts dividend

Disappointing results from company’s investment in Jasco Electronics offset by positive performance in healthcare business. Read more about Business day upbeat AfroCentric lifts dividend

AfroCentric placed 4th in FM top companies awards

The FM top Companies Awards 2013 have placed AfroCentric investment Corporation (AfroCentric) Read more

Still at the top – the little black book

Still at the top .A good combination leadership and academic acumen. Read more

More than medical care – the little black book

More than medical care.Clinical precision in helping with business growth. Read more