The University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly hosted the inaugural Health Collaborative Convening from October 15th to 17th, 2023, at the scenic Protea Hotel by Marriott, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town, South Africa.
Sustaining Progress and Elevating Young People: Prof. Nhlanhla Thwala’s Path Forward for the Africa Health Collaborative
His approach is rooted in optimism and a strong commitment to creating lasting change that will help Africa address pressing health challenges.
Building on Strong Foundations
Prof. Thwala’s leadership is centered on continuity, a key theme he emphasized in his first address as Chair. He expressed excitement about keeping the Collaborative’s momentum and maintaining the progress built by members of the collaborative to date.
“We’re going to continue to pursue the interest of the collaborative, build on our significant strengths, and continue to explore ways to have a broader impact on both the young people and on policy and practice,” he shared, explaining his commitment to sustaining a strong foundation for growth.
Empowering Young Leaders
Empowering the next generation of African leaders is central to Prof. Thwala’s vision for the Health Collaborative. He sees young people as crucial partners in creating a healthier Africa and believes in giving them not only responsibility but also the resources they need to succeed.
“Our job is to build the next generation, and this is something I would like to ensure is a key focus for the Executive Steering Committee this year,” he said warmly. “We talked about giving responsibility to young people, but we also have to enable them and provide them with financial support.”
One exciting way Prof. Thwala is supporting young leaders is through the continuation of the Collaborative’s hackathons. These events challenge young people to think creatively about health issues and offer support to turn ideas into real solutions. He expressed enthusiasm for the next hackathon, hosted by KNUST, as a fantastic opportunity to engage students in hands-on problem-solving.
“We’re not looking for young people to show up only when there’s fun,” he noted. “It’s showing up when there is no fun as well. So active participation will be critical.”
Some young leaders participating at the 2024 Annual Convening held in Ghana
Staying Grounded in Core Pillars and Research
Another significant focus of Prof. Thwala’s tenure is the Health Collaborative’s core pillars (Health Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Ecosystem), which serve as a foundation for the Collaborative’s actions and initiatives. He stressed the importance of continuous reporting and accountability to the Steering Committee, ensuring all members remain informed and engaged in the progress of each pillar.
“The success of this Collaborative rests on our ability to collectively support the pillars that we have identified,” he explained.
Central to these efforts is a commitment to further developing research to help guide evidence-based decision-making. Prof. Thwala echoed the importance of solid, data-driven foundations for the Health Collaborative’s initiatives.
“Professor Ellis has already indicated that we have identified research as the basis of our work as a collaborative. Evidence-based decision-making is what we will be about,” he noted, highlighting research as an essential tool for achieving meaningful outcomes and informed strategies.
Focusing on Sustainability and Policy Impact
Prof. Thwala is committed to a sustainable future for the Collaborative, aiming for long-term benefits across African communities. A key part of this vision is engaging policymakers, particularly within the African Union and other spheres of government, to align health and education policies.
“We should make efforts to connect with policymakers…so that education is transformed in relation to the health sector,” he said, underscoring his goal to shape policies that advance health initiatives continent-wide.
A Humble Acceptance and Optimistic Future
In closing, Prof. Thwala expressed both humility and enthusiasm for his role as Chair of the Health Collaborative’s Executive Steering Committee.
“Thank you very much. I humbly accept the responsibility of being the chair of the Executive Steering Committee” he said with a smile.
Prof. Thwala delivering his acceptance speech at the 2024 Annual Convening held in Ghana
Prof. Thwala’s vision of continuity, empowering young people, solid foundations in research, and sustainability represents a forward-thinking approach for the Health Collaborative. Under his leadership, the Collaborative is well-positioned to make meaningful progress toward a healthier, more resilient Africa, driven by collaboration, integrity, and the belief that lasting change is within reach.
African Leadership University (ALU) is thrilled to share an exceptional opportunity for public sector leaders championing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) projects. The ALU Public Sector Fellowship, now entering its third year, is a dynamic, 8-month, part-time program designed to empower leaders with essential skills to elevate service delivery and tackle Africa’s pressing […]
In Ghana’s Shama District, the rice fields of Whin Valley hold immense agricultural potential, providing food and livelihoods to the local community and beyond. But beneath this fertile land, a hidden story unfolds. Three Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the University of Toronto set out to explore how local farming practices and nearby #Galamsey (illegal mining) […]
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of clinical expertise and technological innovation is where the most significant impacts are made. My journey from nursing to health informatics is a testament to this shift—a journey that began with hands-on patient care and led me to the forefront of digital health solutions. This transition wasn’t […]
This year, FemSTEM Africa engaged over 200 health innovators and enthusiasts through a series of events, concluding in a pitch competition and interactions with seasoned entrepreneurs. The five-part event series was organized by the University of Toronto’s Health Innovation Hub (H2i) in partnership with Social Enterprise (SE) Ghana, Sustineri Attorneys, supported by funding from the […]
How to Apply: Step One Prospective applicants must first consult the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program of study. The link above will guide you in exploring this program. If you meet the academic requirements of this program, please follow through to step two. Step Two Review the recording of the […]
About the Speaker (Dr. Job Nyangena): Dr. Job Nyangena is a medical doctor and seasoned digital health professional with a distinguished career spanning over a decade. Combining a strong foundation in medicine with a deep understanding of technology, Dr. Nyangena has been instrumental in shaping the digital health landscape both in Kenya and internationally. With […]