From “I” to “We” to “Us”: A heartfelt Thank You to all Our Partners

Achieving better health and wellbeing outcomes is not something any government can do alone. It requires a network of committed individuals and organisations working together, united by a shared belief that everyone deserves access to dignified, quality care. From farmers and clinicians to NGOs, faith-based organisations, donors, corporates, academics, and community groups, partnerships are the backbone of a functioning, caring health system.

“We all have a role to play in making sure our health system contributes positively to the social care system that we all wish to see. The Western Cape Government aims to have a healthy, educated, and caring society,” says Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Health for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.

“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW) has developed a set of value propositions where all children start well, all working age adults live well, all retirement age people age well, and the broader health service runs well. We cannot achieve these value propositions alone. Sustained partnerships anchored by relationships of trust, give oxygen to these value propositions, allowing the health system to contribute to a society of wellbeing.”

A province-wide commitment to collaboration

The WCDHW has, since 2012, embraced Public-Private Collaborations (PPCs) as a formal way of working with private providers, companies, and organisations to strengthen service delivery. Over 1 500 applications for collaboration have been received, many of which led to Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These partnerships allow government-supplied medication, vaccines, and materials to be distributed and administered through trusted partners outside traditional government facilities, extending the reach of the public system.

Key areas of service supported by PPCs:

• Primary healthcare services: including screening, diagnosis, and treatment
• Reproductive health: contraception and fertility planning
• Child health: Expanded Programme on Immunisation
• Sexual health: Management of sexually transmitted diseases, condom distribution, HIV screening, and PrEP/PEP
• Maternal health: Antenatal and cervical screening
• TB care: Community screening and adherence support
• Chronic disease management: Including off-site medicine collection (patient medicine parcels) and support in old age homes

To become a partner, organisations can visit: https://bit.ly/3Z39COV

Partnership spotlight: The Du Toit Group in Witzenberg

One inspiring example is the partnership between the Department and the Du Toit Group, a respected fruit-producing company in the Witzenberg District. Recognising the value of a healthy workforce, the Du Toit family established a series of on-site health clinics across their farming operations. These clinics are fully funded by the company and staffed by health professionals whose salaries are covered by the group. The Department supplies the necessary medication and consumables.

Instead of spending hours in queues at distant facilities, many farm workers now receive routine health services, such as chronic medication, HIV/TB treatment, and general check-ups, within minutes on the farm.

The initiative was originally led by Mr Du Toit Senior and is now stewarded by his son, Mr Gys du Toit. Asked why they chose to invest in these clinics, Mr Du Toit Senior simply said:
“It’s the right thing to do.”

This partnership has led to measurable health improvements, including better HIV retention in care and increased control of hypertension and diabetes. Importantly, it has restored dignity to workers and built strong referral pathways with local clinics and hospitals.

Dignity Through Care: NGO partners and organisations

Amid budget constraints and service pressures, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our NGO partners have stood in the gap, providing critical services and restoring hope and dignity to both healthcare workers and community.

Examples include:

• Project Flamingo
  Providing timely breast cancer surgeries to public patients, this NGO has partnered with Groote Schuur Hospital since 2010. Operating now in five hospitals, they also donate surgical equipment and patient comfort items, reducing surgical backlogs and improving patient experience.
• Gift of the Givers
  Known for rapid disaster relief, this organisation also supports infrastructure projects (e.g. Eerste River Eye Clinic), nutrition support, and essential health screening in hard-to-reach areas.
• Radiance Foundation
  Long-standing supporters of the Eerste River Eye Clinic, helping restore vision and independence to hundreds of patients through equipment donations and funding.
• Siemens Healthineers
  Donated a new CT scanner to Khayelitsha District Hospital, improving diagnostic capabilities for one of Cape Town’s busiest facilities.
• Noordhoek Farm Health Post, Citrusdal
  Launched in June 2025, this joint project between the Department, Cederberg Matzikama Aids Network, and farming partners (Swartvlei, Karnemelksvlei, and Noordhoek farms) brings basic healthcare, screenings, and referrals to isolated farming communities.
• Overberg Mobile Transport Pilot
  After the Railton Clinic burned down, a new transport initiative was created with the local taxi association to assist elderly patients, pregnant women, and caregivers with small children to reach the Swellendam Clinic.

The Health Foundation: Philanthropy with impact

The Health Foundation plays a unique role in bridging public health priorities with donor investment. Founded in 2011, THF acts as a reliable, transparent platform for corporate donors, philanthropists, and individuals to support essential health system improvements.

The Health Foundation’s areas of impact:

• Health system strengthening: using data to improve patient care
• Service delivery innovation: such as the Knowledge Translation Unit
• Community health services: mobile clinics and outreach
• Research and innovation

Donors receive transparent reporting and Section 18A tax certificates, and many of their investments have directly improved infrastructure, staff capacity, and patient dignity.

Learn more or donate at: www.thehealthfoundation.org.za

Unsung partners: Hospital boards, universities, and civil society

Not every partnership involves funding or formal agreements. Many of the Department’s most enduring collaborations are built on time, knowledge, and commitment.

We salute:

• Hospital Boards and Clinic Committees
  Including those at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, and Groote Schuur Hospital, where citizens serve selflessly to guide and strengthen public health governance.
• Higher Education Institutions
  Such as UCT, Stellenbosch University, UWC, CPUT, the Western Cape College of Nursing, and the College of Emergency Care. These institutions are vital in training future health professionals, conducting research, and placing students in public facilities.
• Civic and Community Organisations
  Many of whom have been partners in the HIV programme since the early 2000s, providing education, prevention, treatment, and even research support in our communities.

An Invitation to Be Part of the Journey

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger said, "Mandela Day reminds us that building a better society is a collective effort, and nowhere is this more true than in healthcare. Across the Western Cape, we are incredibly fortunate to work alongside dedicated partners who give so generously of their time, expertise, and resources. Whether through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, or simply showing up for their communities, these individuals, organisations, and businesses are making a real difference.

“To each and every one of you who gives back – not just today but every day – thank you. Your contribution is not only deeply appreciated, it is essential. If you are passionate about creating a healthier Western Cape, I encourage you to consider partnering with us. Together, we can build a province where everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.”

For public-private partnerships: https://bit.ly/3Z39COV
For donations and structured philanthropy: www.thehealthfoundation.org.za

Thank you to every partner who makes this possible.