Discover Healthier

Azania speaks to two women at Discovery who are challenging the status quo every day. Not only are they at the forefront of building innovative digital healthcare solutions, but they are also role models for future generations of women.

Karren Sanderson, Chief Operating Officer, and Ana Endres, Head of Discovery Healthcare Services have been instrumental in developing Discovery Health’s digital healthcare channels – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They speak to Azania about their passion for building digital healthcare technologies for the good of Discovery Health members.

Karren and Ana are examples of #WomenInMotion at Discovery – and testament to what women can achieve through resilience and a strong support system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how important thriving healthcare systems are. A number of South African public sector doctors at the COVID-19 frontline are recipients of grants from the Discovery Foundation. Azania talks to Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Prof. Salome Maswime, and Nuclear Medicine Physician - Dr Dineo Mpanya, to hear all about the ways in which their work has been influenced by Discovery Foundation’s support. And, Azania chats to Dr Vincent Maphai, chairperson of the Discovery Foundation, to explore how the Foundation has, since 2006, invested a staggering R261 million to support 473 medical specialists and institutions in many parts of the country. The aim is to invest over R300 million towards specialised healthcare services over 20 years.

For survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), fear and shame are overwhelming emotions that may prevent them accessing the help they need and deserve. In an eye-opening conversation Azania chats to attorney Lindsay Henson (Lawyers against Abuse) and Trauma Counsellor Lana Snoyman to explore the rights available to survivors of GBV and to the support needed to overcome the trauma they endure. Azania also hears all about legal remedies available to survivors of GBV and the role that the justice system has to play in turning the tide on this form of crime. Transcript.pdf — PDF (116.6 KB)

South Africa has one of the world’s highest gender-based violence (GBV) rates in the world. Now, #DiscoverYourVoice against GBV by listening to Azania Mosaka’s interview with survivor of GBV, Mara Glennie, who started the TEARS Foundation to provide a support network for survivors of rape and abuse, underpinned by technology that is available to us all. And, Azania chats to Service Executive at Discovery Health, Raffaella Ruttell to find out more about Discovery’s #DiscoverYourVoice initiative which encourages Discovery Health Medical Scheme members who experience GBV to reach out for help and to access immediate and confidential trauma support and scheme benefits. Transcript.pdf — PDF (92.7 KB)

Did you know that South Africa has one of the world’s highest gender-based violence (GBV) rates in the world? President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that, in 2020, our country is in the grip of two pandemics – COVID-19 and violence against and killing of women and children. #DiscoverYourVoice against GBV and be inspired by Azania Mosaka’s interview with Sasha-Lee Olivier, our dynamic and passionate reigning Miss South Africa. As a survivor of sexual abuse she is driving the #ItsNotYourFault initiative and using her platform to obliterate the fear that, in the aftermath of GBV, prevents survivors from speaking out. Transcript.pdf — PDF (71.1 KB)

Seemingly overnight, businesses both large and small have found themselves navigating an unprecedented operating environment with profound impact on employees. What sort of support do South African businesses need to assist employers and their management teams in formulating and executing an effective response to COVID-19? Azania chats to Nonku Pitje, Head of Employee Health Solutions at Discovery, to dig deeper into what Discovery is doing to support South African businesses and their people through this extraordinary time.

When 33-year old Matshepo Matlejoane, began to feel unwell in March 2020, her anxiety about contracting COVID-19 escalated. However, as she tells Azania, access to a free online doctor consultation started her on the path to wellness. Whether you’re tech savvy or not, this offering makes it easy to talk to a doctor from the comfort of your home. In fact, all South Africans have access to free COVID-19 online doctor consultations, thanks to Discovery’s partnership with Vodacom. Ana Endres, Head of Discovery Healthcare Services and GP, Dr Sudeshan Govender tell Azania why this is another brilliant example of Discovery Health’s efforts to limit our exposure to COVID-19.

Are you concerned about contracting COVID-19 but having nowhere to self-isolate, away from loved ones? That’s exactly how Eugene Roux felt when he contracted a serious form of the illness. Thanks to Discovery’s partnership with a leading local hotel chain, Eugene was able to recuperate in a designated isolation facility where all his needs were met. He shares his remarkable recovery story with Azania. She also chats to Discovery Health’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dr Ronald Whelan and Founder and Managing Director at The Capital Hotel & Apartments, Marc Wachsberger, to find out what it takes to turn a hotel into a COVID-19 isolation facility.

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven home the importance of access to the right medical cover and healthcare support. Azania interviews Chris Jones, Head of Technical Marketing for Discovery Health, about brilliant innovations in Discovery Health and Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s coordinated response to the challenge of the global COVID-19 pandemic, such as the innovative WHO Global Outbreak Benefit. Find out all you need to know about how Scheme members and broader society are feeling about Discovery’s enhanced support.

In her role as Head of Corporate Sustainability at Discovery, Ruth Lewin has made it her mission to apply Discovery’s expertise, intellectual capital and corporate network in such a way that her team has redefined corporate social investment as we know it. Ruth and Azania delve into examples of several brilliant projects and initiatives funded by Discovery, and how the funding models at play have created lasting partnerships, for maximum benefit of the people each initiative serves.