Hope Is a Verb convening highlights power of partnership in driving change
Leaders across the healthcare sector gather in Rosebank to share practical solutions advancing dignity, healthcare and economic inclusion at the sixth convening of Hope Is a Verb.
Collaboration across sectors remains key to building a more inclusive and hopeful South Africa, speakers agreed at the sixth Hope Is a Verb convening held at Workshop 17 on March 24.
The event was hosted by Fine for Good, a South African non-profit company established by the Fine Group, which serves as a strategic communication hub. It brought together leaders from healthcare, government, business, and civil society to discuss how human rights are being advanced through practical actions.
The initiative was launched a few years ago to address a growing sense of despair in the country.
Rizwana Bawa, chief relationships officer at Fine for Good, highlighted the organisation’s goal of shifting the national narrative by showcasing the positive efforts of individuals and communities. Megan Nethercote from Fine for Good outlined three key pillars: facilitating meaningful conversations, fostering collaboration, and empowering organisations to share their stories.
Discussions at the convening ranged from economic reform to grassroots healthcare interventions.
Lael Bethlehem from Genesis Analytics noted that while South Africa’s economy had shown signs of recovery following Covid-19, growth remained insufficient to address unemployment and inequality. “We need faster, more inclusive growth to meet the scale of the challenge,” she said.
In the healthcare sector, innovative approaches to improving access and awareness were highlighted.
Dr David Jankelow from SA Heart spoke about the Check My Beat initiative, which screens minibus taxi drivers for cardiovascular disease using AI-powered technology.
“It allows us to make preventative healthcare quick and accessible, while also connecting with people in a culturally relevant way,” he said.
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Louise Turner of the Breast Health Foundation emphasised the importance of partnerships in expanding cancer screening services, particularly in underserved communities. “Collaboration has enabled us to reduce diagnosis times and bring services closer to those who need them most,” she said.
From a systems perspective, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre CEO Sue Tager stressed the need to invest in specialist training to strengthen the country’s healthcare capacity. “If we do not create sustainable pathways for doctors, we risk losing critical skills,” she said.
The issue of inclusive healthcare was also raised, with Rutendo Bothma and Naomi Hill from Wits RHI, highlighting efforts to provide accessible services for marginalised groups, including transgender patients.
Government’s role in enabling economic participation was addressed by Department of Trade, Industry and Competition spokesperson Kaamil Alli. “Economic rights are fundamental. Without access to opportunities, dignity cannot be fully realised,” he said.
Speakers agreed that meaningful progress is rarely achieved in isolation, but through coordinated efforts across sectors. The convening also took place as South Africa marks 30 years of constitutional democracy, prompting reflection on the country’s progress and ongoing challenges.
The Hope Is a Verb initiative will continue to highlight collaboration and impact in healthcare. The event concluded by urging attendees to share ‘doses of hope’ and strengthen partnerships. As Bawa stated, “Hope becomes real when it is put into action.”
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