Health Funders Association appoints new CEO

Photo: Phumelele Makatini, new HFA CEO

Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the HFA, Simmi Bassudev, says the organisation is delighted to welcome Makatini, a seasoned healthcare executive, dynamic businesswoman and entrepreneur, to this leadership role.

“Ms Makatini brings over 13 years of combined experience in financial services, consulting, health and technology industries, and we look forward to her contribution to the HFA at this pivotal time in private healthcare funding as well as her direction in safeguarding the future of healthcare in our country,” added Bassudev.

Having held several executive and senior management roles in stakeholder relations, business development and strategy in blue-chip companies, Makatini most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Building and Construction Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA).

An entrepreneur who is passionate about private healthcare and education, Makatini has held the role of Academic Independent Contractor at UNISA, and visiting lecturer at Wits Business School, and is well-placed to lead the HFA and its membership base into a new era of growth and further development at a critical juncture in the history of healthcare in South Africa.

Makatini holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford Saïd Business School in the United Kingdom and has a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation from the Wits Business School, an Honours in Politics from the University of Johannesburg, and a BA in Communication Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA).  

Makatini says she is committed to ensuring that the association maintains a robust and viable private healthcare industry that is truly representative of the views of all its stakeholders, large and small, particularly when it comes to critical issues impacting the funding sector and its members. 

“As an organisation, the HFA stands for upholding the very best interests of its member organisations while representing them in the most effective and efficient manner. We pride ourselves on being the voice of our members and are committed to remaining responsive and relevant when it comes to addressing pertinent issues by advocating for critical regulatory and industry matters through ongoing, constructive engagement,” concluded Makatini.

The Health Funders Association (HFA) represents some 73% of the country’s more prominent medical schemes and approximately 50% of South Africa’s total medical scheme membership base.