Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) have called for recently re-elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to mediate the dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa, so that they can finally meet to address perennial challenges affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.
As President Jacob Zuma launched the United Nations World Water Development Report 2017, stakeholders asked if South Africa’s water scarcity is helping to drive new forms of partnership within the private sector. Speaking on behalf of the Global High-Level Panel on Water (of heads of state), President Zuma shared his thoughts on the global water situation yesterday, stating “We have the potential to create new and more positive economic and social developmental pathways”, making reference in part to the building of partnerships. The President was addressing a global audience hosted by the South Africa Water Sector for World Water Day on 22 March in Durban.
The Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) notes with some disappointment reports quoting the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPSCA) Dr Kgosi Letlape as saying that “medical aids are a crime against humanity.” His comments come at a time, says HASA, when the South African healthcare system faces a number of urgent challenges that must be addressed if we are to improve healthcare outcomes and if citizens are to enjoy quality and accessible care and are unlikely to assist the collaboration necessary to meet these challenges.
Sandoz, the Novartis generic and biosimilar pharmaceutical division, announced the launch of Sandoz HACk – Healthcare Access Challenge – a global competition to generate innovative ideas and solutions to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing healthcare access problems. The competition is open for entries until November 30, 2016. “We are seeing Healthcare costs increasing at a rate faster than inflation in South Africa, says Carel Meintjes, Commercial Excellence Head at Sandoz. “I am convinced that there are brilliant young minds with wonderful, innovative ideas on how to improve healthcare. We believe that Sandoz HACk will create the platform to voice these creative ideas which will ultimately help to improve access to healthcare in South Africa.”
Lucid Ventures, a Venture Capital company launched earlier this year by kulula.com founder Gidon Novick today announced its maiden investment. Lucid has acquired a 20% stake in Jamie Oliver's signature restaurant chain 'Jamie's Italian' in South Africa.