The South African Institute of Health Care Managers (SAIHCM) recognises the need for visionary leaders within the SA National Health System. It called for nominees for the Top 25 Influential Leaders in the Health Care industry in South Africa. The SAIHCM, a Section 21 not-for-profit company, aims to achieve new levels of professionalism, preparedness and effectiveness of health care management in the country. These leaders, worthy of recognition and celebration, have now been identified.

This prestigious list recognises the most influential leadership
in the industry, by acknowledging those who:

• have a record of achievement

• are recognized advocates for some population with specific needs

• demonstrate leadership behaviour

• provide cross-cultural leadership, and

• show commitment to innovation and transformation.

These Top 25 Influential Leaders in the South African health
care sector each received their achievement award at a
cocktail function held in their honour during the SAIHCM
Annual Conference in early October.

A popular award recipient was Prof. Rachel Gumbi (right), Rector and Vice Chancellor, University of Zululand, who received her award from SAIHCM CEO, Ida Asia

As can be seen from the list, they were representative of the public and private health sectors, pharmaceutical industry, academia, professional bodies, NGOs and the Human Sciences Research Council.

They are (in alphabetical order):

• Dr Kamy S Chetty, Deputy Director-General, National Department of Health

• Dr Lilian Dudley, Chief Executive Officer, Health Systems Trust

• Prof. Tshepo Gugushe, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry / Health Sciences, MEDUNSA

• Prof. Rachel V Gumbi, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, University of Zululand

• Ms Thembeka Gwagwa, General Secretary, DENOSA Dr Liz Gwyther, Chairperson, Hospice Palliative Care Association

• Dr Kgosi Letlape, Chairperson, SA Medical Association Mr Patrick Masobe, Registrar, Council for Medical Schemes

• Prof. Bongani M Mayosi, Head of Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town

• Mr Ahmed Nana, Financial Director, Lenmed Health Mr Stavros Nicolaou, Senior Executive: Head of Strategy, Aspen Pharmacare

• Dr Laetitia C Rispel, Executive Director: Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, SA Human Sciences Research Council

• Dr Olive Shisana, Chief Executive Officer, S A H u m a n Sciences Research Council

• Mr Mosioua S Shuping, Chief Executive Officer, Phambili - Dismed Group

• Dr Ivan Toms, Executive Director, City Health, City of Cape Town

• Prof. Stuart Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer, Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa

• Dr Gustaaf G Wolvaardt, Executive Director, Foundation for Professional Development

• Dr Sibongile Zungu, Head of Department, Mpumalanga Department of Health & Social Sciences

2. the need to approach public health in Africa in ways that prioritise the strengthening of health systems over disease specific interventions.

The keynote address by Dr Thomas Bisika from the Health, Nutrition and Population Division of the AU was entitled AU Perpectives of Public Health in Africa. He described the upgrading of health systems as the main goal of the Africa Health Strategy which the AU adopted in April this year.

The post-conference website has downloadable pdf versions of the various plenary sessions, and other useful documents from the conference. See http://www.afrihealth2007.co.za/