Medipost Holdings
Media statement
Dr Victor Ramathesele appointed Chief Executive Officer of Medipost Holdings
Johannesburg, Tuesday 3 October 2023, The Board of Directors of Medipost Holdings today announced the appointment of Dr Victor Ramathesele as chief executive officer of the Group, effective 1 October 2023.
“On behalf of the Medipost Holdings Board, it is my privilege to introduce our new Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Ramathesele, whose arrival at Medipost comes as we prepare for further strategic growth and expansion,” said Willem Joubert, Chairman of Medipost Holdings, which comprises Medipost Pharmacy, Kawari Wholesalers, MediLogistics and MediTraining Academy.
A distinguished professional with a multifaceted background, Dr Ramathesele obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree in 1985 from the University of Natal (now UKZN) and furthered his academic pursuits, attaining an MPhil in Sports Medicine from the University of Cape Town in 1998. In 2002, he completed the Management Advancement Programme (MAP) at the Wits Business School.
Dr Ramathesele began his professional journey by practising in Soweto clinics in the late 1980s. He subsequently established a general practice in Katlehong, later expanding to Tembisa, from where he transitioned to the private sector. His extensive experience spans the public and private health sectors, where he has held senior managerial positions in pharmaceuticals, medical technology, wellness, and health consulting industries. Dr Ramathesele was also the Chief Medical Officer for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. He has also worked at the Stop TB Partnership and many other global health organisations.
With an impressive executive leadership track record, Dr Ramathesele possesses expertise encompassing human resource and skills development, financial management, marketing, research, brand management, and communication. Over the years, he has held several executive and board positions and is well-versed in corporate governance, oversight, fiduciary duties, policy-making, and legislative framework implementation.
As Group CEO, Dr Ramathesele’s focus will be primarily external, with a strategic direction to consolidate our market position while expanding our footprint as we enter new markets and broaden our reach.
“We believe Dr Ramathesele’s vision and expertise will be instrumental in driving our company’s mission to provide reliable healthcare services to many more South Africans, aligning seamlessly with Medipost’s mission to empower individuals for better health,” Joubert says.
“Dr Ramathesele’s passion for advancing healthcare and exceptional track record in the medical and corporate arenas exemplify the calibre of leadership that will propel Medipost to new heights. We extend our wholehearted congratulations and support to him as he assumes this pivotal role,” noted Joubert.
Dr Ramathesele adds that he feels truly honoured to join the Medipost Group. “This appointment represents the confluence of my vocation for healthcare and the potential of Medipost Holdings to fulfil the needs of many in our country’s exciting healthcare future.
“I firmly believe that healthcare should be a beacon of hope and empowerment for all. Medipost has earned its service delivery stripes in public and private healthcare and is superbly positioned for the future. I am excited to lead the team as we contribute further to healthcare while improving the quality of life of those who rely on our services.
“Together, we will chart a path of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the South African healthcare consumer and the many organisations and healthcare professionals tasked with caring for their health,” Dr Ramathesele says.
In closing, Joubert added that Dr Ramathesele’s appointment signifies a strategic step forward for the Medipost Group, and the companies in the group eagerly anticipate his vision and leadership in shaping the future of Medipost and healthcare in general.
For more information, please visit www.medipost.co.za.
Ends
Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za
More about Dr Victor Ramathesele
Dr Ramathesele has garnered recognition through his medical achievements, media endeavours and international speaking engagements. He has hosted a weekly medical show on Radio Metro and a Morning Drive Show on Ukhozi FM, which paved the way for the popular “Bonitas Housecall Health Talk-show” on SABC 2 for 13 years.
He has held pivotal positions throughout his career, including board membership and, more recently, Chairpersonship of the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sports Sector Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA). He also served as the former Chairperson of the Medical Parole Advisory Board and is a board member of the Sports Science Institute for South Africa, a role he has held since 2020.
His tenure at Human Dynamics, a corporate wellness company, commenced in 2000 as a medical consultant, ultimately leading to his appointment as pharmaco-economics manager at Novartis Pharma in 2002, where he later assumed the role of market access manager. Before joining Medipost Holdings, he served as the executive chairperson of Powerdigm Consulting and Investments.
In addition to his medical accomplishments, Dr Ramathesele holds the esteemed title of Honorary Colonel in the South African Military Health Service and served as a special advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, as Chairperson of the WHO Stop TB Partnership.
He also served as the team doctor for the South African premier league soccer side, Jomo Cosmos. Subsequently, he held the same position for the National Soccer team, Bafana Bafana, from 1992 to 2000.Among his notable achievements is his role as the chief medical officer for the highly successful FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
Dr Ramathesele’s commitment to healthcare is further underscored by his leadership roles in various organisations, including the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport and the inaugural Medical Parole Advisory Board.
A seasoned speaker, Dr Ramathesele has graced numerous international platforms addressing critical health topics such as Sports Medicine, Doping Control, Health Policy, HIV and AIDS, and Tuberculosis. Notable speaking engagements include appearances at the World Health Assembly, the United Nations General Assembly on TB, and the FIFA Medical Congress in Budapest in 2011.
Dr Ramathesele is married to Thandi, and the couple has two children.