Chairman's review
DR ANNA MOKGOKONG

The vital role played by companies within society was receiving growing recognition before the current crisis and must be emphasised even more at this time.
Indeed, all South Africans and South African companies, as patriotic citizens, must continue to band together to enable the country to emerge from the pandemic with a renewed strength and a clear sense of purpose to overcome our mounting challenges.
Certainly, the devastating impact of COVID-19 brought with it a need to revise the working protocols within AfroCentric's internal and external platforms. COVID-19 has therefore challenged us to do things differently – what we now call the "new normal".
Demonstrating purpose and resilience
As a company rooted in Africa, AfroCentric is dedicated to helping with solutions to our country's challenges. The Group has a unique understanding of the healthcare industry – across the value chain – and a profound responsibility to lead in enhancing South Africa's capacity to contain the spread of the virus. As a Board, we are charged with guiding AfroCentric in leveraging its position as the most diversified healthcare group in Southern Africa to support its stakeholders in providing affordable, accessible healthcare. We have been consistent in this position as part of our core value system. However, within our current context, this aim has never been more critical.
In line with this overarching ambition, AfroCentric has worked closely with
government to procure COVID-19 vaccines and utilised its infrastructure to
rapidly distribute those procured, maintaining the vaccine cold chain to all
corners of South Africa. Moreover, the Group's national network of nurses
was mobilised to vaccinate eligible members. These nurses provided services
across South Africa at Medscheme's member centres and occupational health and primary health clinics nationwide. Furthermore, the Group's
outreach work-based vaccination programmes have incorporated
the use of mobile vehicles to deliver vaccines at members' points of
work, which have also included scheme-sponsored pop-up sites. To
further support access to healthcare during this time of genuine crisis,
innovations such as the Group’s VirtualCareTM application enabled free
virtual consultations for all South Africans.
The Group's diversification strategy was not developed within a COVID-19 context but has proven its grit and potential during this unprecedented time. The Company's broad base of diversified healthcare businesses has created stability for investors while enabling the Group to meet heightened stakeholder needs. Looking ahead, AfroCentric's diversification strategy also positions the Group well within an NHI context. While several of AfroCentric's subsidiary entities were already working closely with government before the current crisis, the Group's involvement in the COVID-19 vaccination roll out has further demonstrated the Company's capability to support government's ambitions.
A heightened focus on broader value creation
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the underlying inequality gaps evident between countries and within societies. Access to quality healthcare is chief among these. At the same time, the pandemic, and the collaboration necessary to fight it, have also sparked a renewed sense of purpose and desire to tackle pervasive societal challenges. Certainly, ESG matters were gaining traction before the pandemic, however, the need to focus on sustainable development – to build back better – has become a resounding call from all spheres of society.
The Group continues to provide support to vulnerable parts of society through its enterprise development programme with financial assistance to entities aimed at creating employment while also offering bursaries to qualifying employees and medical students. However, in line with AfroCentric's position as a purpose-led business, the Board, through the Social and Ethics Committee, have focused significantly on these matters and sought to intensify our focus on ESG. Through this endeavour, non-financial matters and corresponding ESG performance indicators will be further integrated into strategic discussions to better place the Company for resilience in the future. Moreover, to support transparency and in line with best practice, we have committed to enhancing our ESG disclosure in the coming year.
Governance and leadership
The Board's primary role is to steer the organisation ethically and to ensure sustainable value creation. Accordingly, we continued to engage with the Executive Committee around the Group's strategy and assess its relevance within the current context. In addition, the Board provided oversight, guidance and counsel as the pandemic progressed to ensure the business responded agilely within a dynamic operating environment. As the Group continues to seek out growth opportunities, we assessed the composition of our Board, taking into consideration the skills necessary to lead such a diversified business (for more information on the Board skills analysis, see our governance and leadership).
I am satisfied that the Board performed its duties according to its mandate, setting the tone for the Group to respond with purposedriven intent, as well as exercising its oversight role in maintaining effective governance and exercising its fiduciary duty.
Wellness
Under the Wellness umbrella, this is what we have managed to do for our employees since the Covid pandemic started:
A COVID-19 support group was established, touching at least 1056 employees' lives. The support group is facilitated by qualified medical professionals, psychologists and social workers, as well as a life coach
We take mental health seriously, which is why we have initiated various mental health campaigns throughout the Group
We continue to track and trace COVID-19 positive cases, and employees do not pay for Company-initiated COVID-19 tests
Our COVID-19 Task Team has provided support, guidance and communication to employees throughout the year
Outlook
The short to medium-term outlook is decidedly uncertain. As we consider our post-pandemic future, our determination to put better health within reach of all has never been more central to our every action. As a Group, AfroCentric will continue supporting the government in every way possible to fight fundamental healthcare challenges and to forge the path forward in realising our purpose and mission. Indeed, the challenges presented by the pandemic are confirmation that for the NHI to succeed in similar circumstances, we all need to work together with government for the benefit of all citizens. As a Group, we have adapted our strategies to align our business model to the government's health policy direction and have successfully demonstrated our abilities in these strategies.
Appreciation
On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of AfroCentric's management team and employees during an incredibly challenging year and thank them for their unwavering commitment. My gratitude also goes out to my fellow Board members, whose supervision and guidance continue to drive the Group forward in this endeavour. Knowing the mounting challenges our country faces as the pandemic continues to impact us all, I am truly honoured to be leading an organisation that plays such a significant role in society by transforming healthcare.
The Group suffered the loss of 19 employees due to COVID-19 during the year. The losses deeply sadden me, and my heartfelt condolences go out to their loved ones.
Dr Anna Mokgokong
Chairman