ADVERTORIAL
Supporting academic excellence, leadership and innovation in SA healthcare
The Discovery Foundation, an independent trust as part of Discovery’s BEE transaction to invest in healthcare training, announced the recipients of its 2025 Awards at a ceremony in Sandton. These annual grants support public sector doctors, specialists, researchers and institutions to enable continued progress, quality and accessibility of healthcare in SA. By Nicky Belseck, medical journalist
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HIS YEAR, Discovery Foundation celebrated award recipients under the theme ‘Light the path’, recognising innovative approaches to care and medical research that touch people at every stage of life.
A VISION FOR LEADERSHIP AND TRANSFORMATION Dr Vincent Maphai, chairperson of the Discovery Foundation, reflected on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment, saying, “The Discovery Foundation continues to invest in the next generation of medical leaders to help strengthen SA’s healthcare system. The Foundation was established with a powerful mission
to nurture healthcare talent, support our healthcare system, and ensure that every South African has access to quality medical care. Looking at the reach of the Discovery Foundation to date, the impact of that vision is visible in every province and across every medical discipline, from family medicine and radiology to paediatrics and surgery.” Dr Maphai added that the work of the Discovery Foundation is rooted in a belief that transformation in healthcare goes beyond numbers. “It is about enabling a generation of professionals who carry with them skill, leadership and an understanding of service and innovation grounded in human dignity.” Since its inception in 2006, the Discovery Foundation has helped fund up to 10% of SA’s training posts, and with 584 grants to date, investing over R331 million in grants. These grants support doctors at various career stages, from postgraduate studies and sub-specialist training to rural service and training initiatives for the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system. Dr Maphai highlighted that the 2025 Award recipients represent more than individual success stories. “Each recipient embodies our shared vision for a healthier, more equitable healthcare system. Their achievements and ongoing work remind us that SA’s healthcare story is one of resilience and progress.” Over the years, Discovery Foundation grants have supported doctors specialising in anaesthesiology, obstetrics and
gynaecology, oncology, psychiatry, paediatrics, family medicine, radiology, and more. Award recipients have contributed to research and service delivery in every province, helping to strengthen healthcare delivery, specifically in rural and underserved areas.
to social impact. The 2025 Award recipients represent medical professionals at the forefront of digitisation, and clinical research. Their work reflects a global shift towards personalised, and value-driven healthcare, trends that align with South Africa’s health priorities.
ADVANCING MEDICAL INNOVATION AND HEALTH PRIORITIES The Discovery Foundation’s ongoing partnerships with universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions ensure that grants not only support individual excellence but also strengthen systemic capacity across the country. Andronica Mabuya, Discovery’s head of CSI, emphasises that sustainable healthcare requires long-term collaboration. “We believe access to quality healthcare should not depend on geography or circumstance. The Discovery Foundation’s mission is to bridge that gap and to empower doctors and institutions serving in rural areas. The impact of their research, training, and service delivery is felt across communities, helping to make healthcare more equitable, resilient, and responsive.” Each recipient of a Discovery Foundation Award is required to serve in the public sector for at least two years following completion of their studies or training, yet more than 60% of alumni remain in public service beyond this period, which is a testament to their commitment
ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP AWARD Dr Marwah Jenneker, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Determined to improve maternal and foetal outcomes in SA and globally, Dr Marwah Jenneker is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, working towards a subspecialty in maternal foetal medicine continued on page 8
8 November 2025 | MEDICAL CHRONICLE