Latest news with #Bestmed
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
DStv Netball Challenge finalists prepare for nationals with guidance from SA stars
LIMPOPO – In preparation for the upcoming DStv Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) national finals, powered by Bestmed, a series of Ubuntu coaching clinics – supported by Puma South Africa – were recently held in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The clinics are designed to prepare U19 players from under-resourced schools through focused training, mentorship, and life skills development ahead of the national finals. Led by a group of experienced professionals, each full-day session combined fitness training, position-specific drills, and life skills development, creating an environment focused on both performance and personal growth. The clinics were facilitated by Karla Victor, a current Baby Proteas player who once participated in the DSNC herself. 'What the mind believes, the body can achieve,' she told the girls during one of the sessions. Bongiwe Msomi, former Baby Proteas captain and head coach of the University of Johannesburg's netball team, also played a key role. With 171 caps and appearances in major tournaments, including the Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games, her presence brought real-world insights to the court. 'Seeing players like Bongiwe and Karla in action made it all feel real for the girls,' said one coach on-site. 'They could see themselves in their shoes – that's powerful.' Also part of the coaching team was Nomsa Zungu, a Level 3 coach with experience working with teams like the Gauteng Golden Fireballs and USSA champions. Zungu's message to the players was simple: 'Have good sportsmanship and clock it.' In Gauteng, the clinic took place in Roodepoort, with learners from Diepdale Secondary and Tswelopele Secondary – two schools located within 50km of each other – participating in the programme. In Mpumalanga, schools like Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary and Kgetsiyatsie Secondary took part in a session designed to bring high-level training to more remote communities. Despite the long distances between some schools, learners arrived eager to train alongside their peers and heroes. Limpopo's clinic was hosted at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex, where students from Khaiso Secondary, located just 2km away, and Tshiawelo Secondary, about 110km away, came together for the session. The clinics were supported by Puma South Africa, which provided training kits and access to its ambassador athletes as part of its commitment to grassroots development. The sessions were strategically held during the school holidays and Telkom Netball League break, making it easier for facilitators and players to attend. For many of the young players, this was their first exposure to professional-grade coaching. But more importantly, it was a chance to see what's possible – not just on the netball court, but beyond it. To learn more about how the DStv Schools Netball Challenge is shaping the future of SA Netball and empowering young athletes across the country, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How solar energy is improving healthcare in rural areas
Sister Poppy Vilakazi with Solar power unit. Image: Supplied. Bestmed Medical Scheme has solidified its partnership with the non-profit organisation Unjani Clinic, making significant strides in healthcare delivery across the Eastern Cape and Free State regions. Through generous donations, including an ultrasound machine and a solar power unit, Bestmed is addressing two pressing challenges: maternal health and power instability that have crippled healthcare services in rural areas. This latest initiative follows Bestmed's earlier contributions of two innovative Health Pods, launched in 2022 and 2023, which have collectively served over 3,600 patients in George and surrounding areas in the Western Cape, as well as the community between Dewetsdorp and Wepener in the Free State. These efforts reflect Bestmed's commitment to enhancing primary healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural settings. Advancing maternal health in Sterkspruit According to a recent report from the Commission for Gender Equality, the Eastern Cape faces significant challenges in delivering quality healthcare services to women, particularly concerning maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sister Nandipha Nyelimane with Ultrasound unit. Image: Supplied. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and healthcare worker shortages contribute to this dilemma, especially in remote areas. However, the donation of an ultrasound machine at the Unjani Clinic in Sterkspruit has brought transformative changes to maternal healthcare in the region. "The ultrasound machine has enabled us to detect abnormalities early in pregnancies, leading to safer births and healthier babies," Sister Nandipha Nyelimane, a dedicated nurse at the clinic, said. Keeping clinics running amid power cuts Frequent power outages have emerged as a formidable obstacle to healthcare delivery across South Africa. Communities reliant on consistent electricity supply have witnessed essential services compromised, exacerbating the challenges faced by healthcare facilities—particularly in remote locations like Kopanong. Bestmed's provision of a solar power unit has proven vital in ensuring uninterrupted patient care at the local Unjani Clinic. "It's not just about keeping the lights on. We've reduced operational stress and can now focus more on patient care without worrying about electricity bills or outages," Sister Poppy Vilakazi said. Health Pods: A lifeline for underserved communities The Health Pods established in George and Dewetsdorp are proving to be essential lifelines for local populations. In 2024 alone, the George Health Pod has treated over 2,860 patients from Thembalethu, a township housing more than 44,000 residents with only two public clinics available. Simultaneously, the Dewetsdorp Health Pod has successfully catered to over 760 patients, significantly reducing travel times and healthcare costs for many families. "While the numbers are impressive, the true impact lies in the stories of lives improved," Madelein O'Connell, Executive for Marketing, Sales and Corporate Relations at Bestmed Medical Scheme said. "In overcrowded or remote areas, Health Pods are more than facilities—they are lifelines." Residents in both regions have reported substantial improvements in several health services, particularly reproductive healthcare including pap smears and family planning. Additionally, the Health Pods have elevated health awareness in the community by organising TB screenings and Mom and Baby expos, leading to nominations for the 'Best Healthcare Facility' award—testament to the partnership's tangible results. In Dewetsdorp, the local Health Pod has not only reduced clinic operational costs but has also significantly improved healthcare access for residents who previously faced long journeys for basic services. "Health Pods are transforming how and where we deliver care—one township, one rural area, and one clinic at a time," Lynda Toussaint, CEO of Unjani Clinic said. "Through local empowerment and early intervention, we're not just improving health outcomes; we are impacting lives." BUSINESS REPORT
