Sustainable development matters
In 2015, world leaders came together at the United Nations to adopt an ambitious agenda for a better future. Here’s what you need to know about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, what they are and why they matter to AfroCentric.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals, which were created to address global challenges such as health, education and climate change. These goals provide a blueprint to ensure that by 2030 we live in a world that is more just, inclusive and sustainable for all.
At AfroCentric, we recognise that our work in the healthcare and wellness space directly intersects with many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than that, every employee has a vital role to play in bringing these goals to life, both within our business and in our homes.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected goals designed to guide countries, organisations, and individuals towards a more sustainable world. Some of the most relevant SDGs for our business include:
- Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing – Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Achieving equality and empowering all women and girls.
- Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reducing inequality within and among countries.
- Goal 13: Climate Action – Taking urgent actions to combat climate change and its impacts.
Why do these goals matter to us as AfroCentric employees?
As part of a group committed to enabling affordable, accessible healthcare solutions for all South Africans, the SDGs are not just global ideas – they are linked to our purpose. Whether you are working in Operations, Finance, IT, Clinical Services, or Customer Support, your daily actions can either support or stall progress towards achieving these goals. Understanding the SDGs helps us connect the dots between our personal values, our work, and our shared future. They provide a framework that aligns our efforts with a global movement for good.
How AfroCentric Group has contributed to the SDGs over the past year
Supporting Maternal and Child Health through Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic
During the past year, AfroCentric has partnered with Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic to open a new satellite clinic in Alberton Mall. This new branch builds on the success of the original clinic in Vosloorus, established by Sister Dolly Dube in the early 1990s.
Despite high global mortality rates, Eluthandweni has maintained a 0% mortality rate, supporting SDG 3.1 (reducing maternal mortality) and 3.2 (ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under five). Eluthandweni has also grown into a comprehensive facility offering 24/7 services, including screenings for chronic conditions and tests for non-communicable diseases, in line with SDG 3.4 (reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases). Additionally, it serves as a pick-up point for chronic medications, enhancing accessibility and contributing to SDG 3.8 (achieving universal health coverage).
AfroCentric Group bursary programme
Our commitment to healthcare extends beyond immediate services to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our bursary programme supports students studying medicine, nursing, and pharmaceutical studies, ensuring they have the financial resources and personal support needed to succeed.
Providing financial support is just one aspect of our bursary programme. Equally important is ensuring the wellbeing of our bursary recipients through regular check-ins and ongoing engagement to help them navigate academic and personal challenges. This holistic approach ensures that they feel supported and valued.
By supporting these future healthcare professionals, we are addressing the skills shortage and ensuring a sustainable and empowered workforce ready to lead and innovate. This commitment aligns with SDG 3.c, which aims to substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries. Our bursary programme exemplifies this commitment.
The students selected for this programme are chosen not only for their academic merit but also for their determination to shape the future of South African healthcare. By investing in their education and wellbeing, we are contributing to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.
How can you as an individual participate?
You may be asking, “What can I do as an individual?” The answer is a lot! Here are some ways that you as an AfroCentric employee can support the SDGs.
- Champion health and wellness (goal 3): Prioritise your own wellbeing, take part in wellness initiatives organised by the company and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
- Promote inclusivity (goal 5 & 10): Respect diversity in the workplace and advocate for equality and fairness.
- Support green initiatives (goal 13): Be mindful of your resource use, reduce paper, recycle, switch-off lights and other electronic devices when not in use.
- Drive innovation and excellence (goal 8): Look for ways to improve services, support transformation and help AfroCentric grow responsibly.
- Get involved: Participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, volunteer opportunities and community upliftment programmes.
By aligning our efforts with the SDGs, we at AfroCentric are not only contributing to a global movement for sustainability but also ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Every employee’s contribution is vital in this journey towards a better, more sustainable future.
Mmasabata Mofurutsi
Author of the UN Development goals story
