AfroCentric Group

04/11/2025

We did It! Our first ‘Chill with Pride’ was pure magic!

On 31 October, the AfroCentric Pride Hub hosted its very first ‘Chill with Pride’ sessions in Roodepoort and Cape Town. These vibrant gatherings created safe spaces for real talk around the theme, “Coming Out.”

From heartfelt stories to bold conversations, attendees came together to unpack challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals at work and at home and explored how everyone can all champion inclusion and allyship.

At AfroCentric, events like ‘Chill with Pride’ are not just symbolic – they are a powerful statement of our commitment to equity, dignity and belonging. Inclusion is intentional and these conversations help us break barriers, challenge norms and create workplaces where authenticity thrives.

By embedding diversity in action, we move beyond compliance towards transformation, ensuring that every employee feels seen, heard and valued within the organisation.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who showed up, spoke up and helped us build a stronger and more supportive AfroCentric community.

30/10/2025

We couldn’t have asked for a more significant way to wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness Month and broader health challenges faced by women. Today, AfroCentric Group proudly stood at the forefront of women’s health advocacy as the main sponsor of the Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) Women’s Health and Financial Well-being Breakfast.

Hosted at The Kerzner Building at the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park, the breakfast brought together leading medical and insurance experts for an inspiring dialogue on the holistic well-being of women, from physical and spiritual health to the critical link between financial security and mental health.

The panel featured two exceptional voices from Medscheme, an AfroCentric Group company:

Dr Hlengiwe Zikalala, Medical Advisor: GEMS HIV Management, shared empowering insights on holistic wellness, HIV prevention and lifestyle medicine, reminding us that managing disease starts with prioritising our own well-being.

Dr Jenni Noble-Luckhoff, Functional Head: Oncology Management, explored how cancer care is evolving and why women are central to that transformation. In her session, she highlighted:

• The emotional and financial toll of late-stage diagnoses
• The importance of regular screenings like mammograms and pap smears, knowing one’s family history and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• The need for workplaces to support preventive care through wellness programmes and flexible policies
• The role of insurance in promoting the value of early intervention and comprehensive cover for clients

Adding further depth to the conversation, Mbali Khumalo, Managing Director of Simeka Health, a Sanlam Group subsidiary that operates as an autonomous consulting business within the Sanlam Corporate cluster unpacked “The Silent Crisis: How Lack of Healthcare Insurance Endangers Women’s Lives.”

She shared eye-opening statistics about chronic conditions affecting women, including:

• Breast Cancer: 1 in 28 lifetime risk (3.57%), with 20% of cases occurring under 40 years old
• Cervical Cancer: 6.5% prevalence, with over 10,700 new cases annually, 64.2% linked to HPV
• Depression: Affecting 4.5 million women, resulting in an estimated R218 billion in lost productivity
• Autoimmune Diseases: Affecting around 4% of women, up to four times more common than in men

Her insights reinforced the vital connection between healthcare access, insurance coverage and long-term well-being, a message that strongly aligns with AfroCentric Group’s purpose within the Sanlam Group, working together to make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible for all South Africans.

What became clear is that health is the new wealth and our lives and legacy depend on it. AfroCentric Group is honoured to have sponsored this impactful event. We remain committed to advancing conversations that empower women to take charge of their health and financial well-being.

29/10/2025

[LISTEN] In a recent interview with SA FM, Dr Nkateko Msimeki - General Manager of the Health Policy and Medical Advisory Unit at Medscheme (an AfroCentric Group company) unpacked the findings of a new Lancet study and what they mean for South Africa’s health system.

The study reveals that life expectancy in South Africa has dropped to 65.5 years in 2023, down from 67 in 1990. The drop in SA is attributed to the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as stroke and diabetes, which are erasing the health gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Msimeki calls for a coordinated response to NCDs - one that mirrors the investment, research and policy coherence seen in HIV programmes. She also highlights the need for broader public policy interventions, including safer spaces for physical activity and improved access to affordable and nutritious food.

Listen to the full interview to learn more on how South Africa can build a more resilient and inclusive health system in the face of rising chronic illnesses:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Ge61qNy_Q

In this interview with SA FM, Dr Nkateko Msimeki - General Manager of the Health Policy and Medical Advisory Unit at Medscheme (an AfroCentric Group company)...

28/10/2025

Centurion, thank you for having us!

Today, the AfroCentric Group Exco team continued their regional walkabouts, this time in Centurion, Pretoria engaging with teams across our sites.

From the early stop at the Princeton Office Park, where the Group Finance team met Exco and shared insights into operational efficiency, to Curasana, where innovation in pharmaceutical distribution took center stage and finally to Pharmacy Direct where dedication to accessible healthcare shone through with passion from our colleagues.

These walkabouts are about more than face-to-face interactions, they’re an opportunity for leadership to listen, learn and connect with the people driving our purpose every day.

The Centurion teams reminded us that collaboration and curiosity continue to shape the future of healthcare at AfroCentric.

27/10/2025

“It’s amazing what technology can do for mental health, especially in enabling access to the right and relevant care,” Dr Litha Fatsha.

At the 10th Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa event, Dr. Litha Fatsha delivered an insightful presentation on Mental Health and wellbeing - Leveraging digital tools. Discussing innovative interventions for improving mental and brain health access in South Africa, a country that currently scores the lowest in the global mental health quotient (MHQ) according to a World Health Organisation study published in 2022. His talk highlighted the pressing need for accessible, culturally relevant, and tech-enabled mental health solutions, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

During the Q&A, an audience member asked what excites him most about our organisation’s strategy to expand mental health access. His answer captured our collective vision:

“Innovation gives us the ability to reach people where access doesn’t exist - from developing tools that can quickly assess mental health and provide immediate care, to ensuring solutions reflect South Africa’s rich language and cultural diversity.”

The discussion sparked enthusiasm and engagement from attendees, reinforcing the belief that technology and local innovation can transform mental health care delivery.

Opportunities Ahead:
Our next step is to collaborate with local entrepreneurs and community leaders to co-create scalable solutions for remote areas and to secure the funding needed to make these innovations sustainable.

Together, we can make quality mental health care accessible to all, no matter where they are.

24/10/2025

Reliving the Moments

On Sunday 19 October, we celebrated a decade of impact at the 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services in Vosloorus, in the east of Johannesburg.

The vibrant community spirit we all experienced reminded us why we walk to raise awareness, to offer support and to bring healthcare closer to those who need it most.

Thank you to everyone who walked with us and helped make this milestone unforgettable.

Swipe through to see some highlights from the walkathon and post your favourite moments in the comment section below.

Let’s keep the energy alive and continue walking towards a healthier South Africa.

23/10/2025

Health and wealth aren’t separate conversations anymore - they’re two sides of the same coin.

In a powerful feature, Gerald Van Wyk (FIISA), CEO of AfroCentric Group and Kanyisa Mkhize, CEO of Sanlam Corporate, explore how Sanlam Health Solutions is transforming employee wellbeing by integrating healthcare into long-term financial planning.

With medical scheme premiums rising and mental health challenges escalating, especially among young South Africans, businesses are facing a new reality, poor health is costing the economy over R250 billion a year in lost productivity.

Sanlam Health Solutions responds with a bold, integrated offering that gives employers and employees:

• Affordable, flexible medical cover

• Simplified benefits and expert advice

• Health Boost rewards for healthy living

As a Sanlam Group company, AfroCentric is proud to be part of this shift, helping employers build healthier, more resilient teams and stronger bottom lines.

Read the full article to see how this solution completes the puzzle of workforce wellbeing: https://shorturl.at/abg80

For too long, healthcare and financial planning have been managed in silos. In reality, health and wealth are inseparable. A major illness, chronic condition, or the rising costs of treatment can undo...

22/10/2025

[Happening Today]

We are proud to announce that Dr Litha Fatsha, Advanced Specialist: Health Facility Strategic Unit at Medscheme, an AfroCentric Group company, will be speaking at the 10th Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa, taking place from 22–23 October 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Under the theme “Connected Care, Smarter Systems: Building a Digitally Resilient African Health Ecosystem,” Dr Fatsha will address “Mental Health & Well-being: Leveraging Digital Tools.”

Aligned with AfroCentric Group’s Vision 2030, this participation reflects our mission to champion Digital Transformation and Health & Wellness while leading conversations at the intersection of technology and mental well-being.

Stay tuned as we continue shaping the future of connected, patient-centred care across the continent.

21/10/2025

September was National Oral Health Month but the conversation must continue beyond because for many people in South Africa, access to dental care remains a daily challenge and oral health is a constant need.

In a recent interview with Mahikeng FM, Dr Tumi Mahlangu, Dental Advisor at DENIS (an AfroCentric Group company) unpacked the often-overlooked link between oral health and overall wellbeing and introduced a powerful solution called teledentistry.

Teledentistry is transforming access to care by using everyday technology like smartphones, laptops and internet connectivity to deliver:
• Oral health education
• Virtual consultations
• Follow-up care

This innovation has been especially impactful in underserved and remote communities, where access to dental services is limited by cost, distance or infrastructure.

Listen to the full conversation for more insights: https://youtu.be/dG4pUQzJ8L4

In her interview with Mahikeng FM, Dr Tumi Mahlangu, Dental Advisor at DENIS (an AfroCentric Group company) unpacked the often-overlooked link between oral h...

20/10/2025

What a Day!

PS: Of course, some of our amazing colleagues could not resist dropping a few sneak peeks already 😃👀but now it’s time for the main moment.

What an unforgettable celebration of life, hope and health! Yesterday, we marked the 10th Annual Eluthandweni Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon and it was nothing short of spectacular.

From the sea of pink shirts and sneakers hitting the ground, to music, laughter and heartfelt moments shared, the energy was electric. This wasn’t just a walk, it was a sign of solidarity, joy and commitment to a healthier South Africa.

We were especially proud to see our CEO, Gerald Van Wyk and Chief People and Marketing Officer, Lindiwe Miyambu, leading from the front, proving that at AfroCentric, leadership doesn’t just talk the talk… we lace up and walk the walk!

A huge THANK YOU to every AfroCitizen, survivor, friends and family, healthcare worker, volunteer and partner who came out in full force. Even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits!

A special shoutout to our vibrant TikTok star host, Goitsemang Lekgetho, who brought the energy and kept the vibes alive all day long!

For the past ten years, our partnership with Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services has been rooted in a shared commitment to nurturing healthier communities. Yesterday was a beautiful reminder of the strength and impact we create when we walk this journey together, hand in hand."

Here’s to more more lives touched and more moments that matter.

18/10/2025

Lace up - it’s almost time!

Tomorrow, we hit the streets of Kathorus in Vosloorus for the 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon and the energy is electric!

For 10 years, AfroCentric Group and Eluthandweni Maternity Health Services have walked side by side with the community, raising awareness and delivering real healthcare support.

Expect a vibrant atmosphere, meaningful conversations and access to essential health services, including:
• Screenings for breast and prostate cancer
• Pap smears
• HIV testing
• Wellness assessments & health talks

It’s more than a walk - it’s a movement. Let’s show up, stand together and walk with purpose.

17/10/2025

in action!