Discovery South Africa

One of the groups that’s been economically hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is the roughly 1.2 million household employees who work in South Africa. These employees have eagerly anticipated their return to work and their employers have looked to welcome them back. However, the pandemic has resulted in anxiety about the impact of movement between our home and the homes of others on our health. Household employers also worry about exposing those considered high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 – whether family members or employees – to increased risk. Medical doctor and occupational medicine specialist Dr Odette Volmink (based at the National Institute for Occupational Health) understands this well. In this interview with Discovery she explores the ins and outs of keeping those who are at high risk safe, with a focus on high-risk household employees and other members of the household. Transcript Dr Odette Volmink.pdf — PDF (81.6 KB)

Multiple members of Dewald Wentzel’s immediate family who live on the same property – including his 74-year-old father – contracted COVID-19 within days of each other. As a trained paramedic, Dewald knew that a pulse oximeter was critical to monitoring the seriousness of his father’s symptoms while he recovered at home. The device measures the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can decline to critical levels in some people who contract COVID-19. Yet, none of these devices were available at any pharmacies Dewald contacted. That’s when he found out that Discovery Health Medical Scheme members who contract COVID-19 and fall into the high-risk category for severe illness from the disease, have access to a fully covered pulse oximeter. The device, which allows for home oxygen monitoring, is sent by courier to the member’s home, and supported by the Discovery Healthy Oximetry Support call centre. Thanks to this easy-to-use device, any dangerous decrease in oxygen saturation can be quickly detected, and medical assistance requested.

When COVID-19 lockdown was first instituted it might have felt unfathomable to stay at home almost 24-7. Now despite the easing of alert levels, for some of us it may feel strange and nerve-wracking to do anything but stay at home. Psychotherapist Louisa Niehaus explains why we may be feeling so-called “re-entry anxiety”. It manifests as we contemplate or act on reintegration to society, as we go back to schools and universities, to shops or work. This anxiety can also present as we interact with others, especially where we don’t trust that they are making every effort to limit their exposure to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is now a part of life and we must make space for the emotions that adjusting to this reality brings. Louisa explains what drives re-entry anxiety and how to deal with it best.

Niket Desai, who at 23, sold his company to Google and now oversees a $120bn fund in Silicon Valley, explains the definition of an MVP (minimum viable product) and the tenets of a lean startup. Discovery Business Insurance

Nic Latouf, Nick Dreyer & Ross Sondagh, co-founders of Veldskoen, a brand that has gone from zero to viral hero in just two years. These iconic South African shoes are now being worn by Prince Harry and Ashton Kutcher, and has received funding from famed US billionaire investor Mark Cuban. In this episode, they reveals how to ensure your product positioning is investor-friendly. Discovery Business Insurance

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.

Khayelitsha’s star entrepreneurs, Lethu Tshabangu of Beerworx and Sikilela Dibela of Siki's Coffee share how they navigate opportunities and challenges in the townships that gave them a spring-board. Exploring why they got involved with their respective brews, and how scale doesn’t always equal success. Discovery Business Insurance