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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 a 60% shareholding in AfroCentric.
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 ever faced.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more...Sanlam submits offer to acquire controlling stake in AfroCentric Group
Johannesburg – The AfroCentric Group announced today that Sanlam Limited has submitted an offer to acquire a controlling stake in the healthcare company.
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 do not seek help.
Read more...AfroCentric annual results reflect a commitment to consumers amid challenging conditions
Off the back of a challenging operating environment and economic uncertainty, AfroCentric has released its annual results for the period ending 30 June 2022.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Read more...AfroCentric earnings remain steadfast in the face of challenging economic and healthcare landscapes
Highlights:
Read more...Three ways to protect yourself from Covid-19 during the holiday 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 continue to enjoy the festive season, General Manager for Medical Advisory and Health Policy at the AfroCentric Group Dr Samukeliso Dube says: "We cannot lose sight of the fact that we are in a fourth wave driven by a variant that is highly transmissible."
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".
Read more...AfroCentric’s Pharma Cluster boosts Group revenue as integration strategy yields positive results
Group declares 17c final gross dividend for investors
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.
Read more...A race against the clock to vaccinate South Africa's 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.
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
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
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.
Read more...Opinion article – AfroCentric on COVID-19 vaccines educational drive
We need to vaccinate the mind before we vaccinate the body
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
Read more...AfroCentric’s healthy earnings: robust strategy bearing fruit
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 interim earnings for the six months ended 31 December 2020.
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
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
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.
Read more...MEDSCHEME’S FIRST WAVE HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS DATA SETS EXPECTATIONS FOR HOW THE SECOND WAVE WILL SPREAD ACROSS SA
MEDSCHEME'S FIRST WAVE HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS DATA SETS EXPECTATIONS FOR HOW THE SECOND WAVE WILL SPREAD ACROSS SA
Read more...Medscheme sets up network aimed to reduce costs of cataract procedures
Behavioural Change Communication Strategy for Covid-19
Meeting Recording:
Click here to view meeting recording
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 will get adequate medical attention and their hospitalisation will be covered. At the moment there is sufficient capacity.
Read more...We can beat Covid-19 by outsmarting our old habits and forming new and different ones
OPINION: Is Covid-19 a good test for public-private partnerships and the future of NHI?
Lessons on self-reliance
Lesson 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
Read more...LET US COMMIT TO TACKLING THE SCOURGE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN 2020
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 performance of the Group’s healthcare retail businesses, which saw a 90.6% increase in operating profit. The Group also declared a final dividend of 17 cents per ordinary share for this period
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.
Read more...Right of reply
Fraudulent activities, waste and abuse have forced the industry to be vigilant By Lungi Nyathi
Read more...Medscheme and Nehawu reach agreement to end strike over bonuses
Let's carry Maxeke's legacy by walking in her footsteps
A loving home for every child
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 dispenses more than 1 million scripts a month in KwaZulu Natal to public collection points.
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 forensics at Medscheme, listed several case studies, including a doctor claiming to work for 491 hours a day. Other examples included a medication claim for R1m from a surgery operating from a derelict building, a cardiologist who performed 856 angiograms out of 1,748 patients in one year (amounting to a R10m claim); an orthopaedic surgeon who got R1.6m for a claim that normally costs R5,182 and a biopsy that cost R44,800 when it should cost R1,450.
Read more...Allegations are incorrect and not factual – funds recovered benefit you the member…
There have been social media posts about billing of customers recently, these statements are inaccurate and not factual.
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.
Read more...ESWATINI National Provident Fund (ENPF), formerly SNPF, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Medscheme Eswatini.
ESWATINI National Provident Fund (ENPF), formerly SNPF, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Medscheme Eswatini.
Read more...Healing is made easier
HEALTH Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Afrocentric Group chairwoman Anna Mokgokong opened a new chronic medication distribution centre yesterday.
Read more...Medscheme recovers millions in healthcare fraud, waste
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.
Read more...Resignation of Medscheme Holdings CEO and Appointment of new CEO
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.
Read more...The JSE-listed AfroCentric Group is on an upward trajectory as it continues to expand its comprehensive portfolio
Afrocentric group and vision 4 change handover prescription glasses to alex learners
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.
More than 140 mentally ill patients died after they were moved from Life Esidimeni to Gauteng’s non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The NGOs were found to have been neither ready nor equipped to take care of patients with chronic psychiatric illnesses, according to a report by the health ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba.
Read more...Healthy people contribute to a healthy economy
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 initiative to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, it is time for us to live by what former US president John F Kennedy told the world 56 years ago: "Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country." Chapter 10 of Vision 2030, which deals with health, envisions a health system that works for everyone and produces positive health outcomes; is not out of reach. It aims to raise the life expectancy of South Africans to at least 70 years; ensure that the generation of under20s is largely free of HIV; significantly reduce the burden of disease and achieve an infant mortality rate of less than 20 deaths per thousand live births including an under five mortality rate of less than 30 per thousand. Everyone has a role to play.
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 Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management programme and are now licensed trainers within South Africa. On "paying for volume and not value": If one looks at quality in multiple practices, the variation in quality is often greater within a practice than between practices.
Read more...Shortage of doctors stretches health-care system to limit
AfroCentric donates vehicle to Vosloorus Maternity Clinic
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 vision for a better tomorrow can sometimes be disruptive, which leads some people to ask whether we need to disrupt the health-care system to save it., The same question is being asked about National Health Insurance (NHI), and the extent to which its socioeconomic and political trappings are disruptive. The arrival of NHI can be linked to the concept of disruptive innovation, defined by author Scott Anthony as "something that creates a new market or transforms an existing one through simplicity, convenience, accessibility, or affordability".
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
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.
Read more...Pharmacy Direct notice on delivery of medication
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 control costs is critical, says Paul Midlane, GM: healthcare fraud and abuse at Medscheme, a subsidiary of the AfroCentric Group.
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 have nowhere to go.
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.
Read more...Afrocentric Group and Medscheme Honoured for Innovation and Efficiency
JOHANNESBURG, July 20, 2017- The health and medical aid sector has honoured Medscheme, for efficiency, innovation and member experience in the industry.
Read more...Why you are paying more for less?
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.
Read more...AfroCentric bursary offers to nurture medical students
Medscheme to Provide Additional Managed Care Services to SAMWUMED
Cutting medical aid costs for a win-win solution
Celebrating SAs business leaders
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.
Read more...AfroCentric posts profit increase
Women urged to open doors for others
Doc scores multibillion gas deal
More women role models needed
Medscheme honoured for service excellence in health administration and managed care
The haleness of disruptive innovation
'Strive to get into positions of power'
I can’t afford to have breast cancer
Shortage of doctors stretches health-care system to limit
Charlotte Maxeke school gets revamped
PARKTOWN – The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School receives R800 000 in renovations.
Read more...SA’s top companies to collaborate with Vision 2030 Summit
Predictive modelling - a key to sustaining healthcare in the future
Liberating by educating
Making the most - that's Anna Mokgokong
B-BBEE - Who's going beyond compliance?
Market Cover
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, the amalgamation will further entrench Bonitas' role as a leader in the healthcare market. Read more...
Proposed sugar tax outweighs hit to our pockets
Executive moves
'Even in tough times, the elephant must dance' - Sanlam boss
Bonitas and Liberty Medical Scheme set to merge, in industry's biggest ever transaction
Amazon puts roots in SA
Putting people first
US-SA business partners sought - Citizen Second Edition
Born for business
Read more...
Donation will help keep girls in school
What are benefits of M&A in today's competitive world?
Executive Moves
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.
Read more...Executive Moves
AfroCentric Health revitalizes small businesses
AfroCentric Health
Leading from the front
AfroCentric supports local business
Women do it themselves
Black economic empowerment takes a bow
Black industrialists are changing the rules of the game
Paving the way for sustainable healthcare
4-steps to keep your staff happy and healthy
Medscheme awarded POLMED administration and managed care contracts
Medscheme: Making an impact in the medical industry
Leadership talks to Medscheme CEO Kevin Aron, about the company and the state of the industry as a whole Leading South Africa's largest health risk management services provider and second largest medical aid administrator requires resilience and courage, according to CEO Kevin Aron.
Read more...New payment integrity platform to cut healthcare fraud in Southern Africa
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.
Read more...Executive Moves
Wallace Holmes and Hannes Boonzaaier
Read more...Medscheme announces roll-out of an Electronic Medical Records platform - Less administration for GPs
Medscheme announces roll-out of an Electronic Medical Records platform - Less administration for GPs, more time to treat patients
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 announced its intention to roll out an EMR platform that will be available to all administrators.
Read more...AfroCentric Health Limited demonstrates victory in HR strategy
Bright future for black industrialists
'The world is your oyster'
The next chapter
Building a robust business empire
Black businessmen 'are too territorial'
Dr Anna Mokgokong, Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Help us grow SA, Ramaphosa tells entrepreneurs
AfroCentric sees positive future
Accolades rain on Medscheme
Accolades rain on Medscheme at PMR Awards
Paving the way for community: Mokgokong receives top award
Scooters donated to fight Ebola
She's a capital leader in the world of business
SA wheels out Ebola response
SABC Capital City Business Leader of the Year Award winner announced
Sanlam - the most active insurer in M&A?
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.
Read more...Sanlam to acquire stake in AfroCentric Healthcare Assets Proprietary Limited
Two material deals position the group for growth
Deal between Sanlam and AfroCentric
Afrocentric gains for second day
Meet Dr Anna Mokgokong and her R18bn-a-year empire!
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...