Discover Healthier Discovery South Africa

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.

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.

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.

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.