SAMDP Directorship

Dr Martha Ledwaba is a distinguished medical professional, boasting an illustrious career that spans decades and encompasses various roles across the healthcare sector. Her academic journey led to the attainment of an MBChB Degree from Medunsa in 1992, forming the foundation for her subsequent contributions to the field. In addition to her primary medical qualifications, Dr Ledwaba pursued advanced studies, completing the Advanced HIV Management Course at FPD in 2001, cementing her commitment to staying at the forefront of medical knowledge.

Since 1995, she has been a dedicated Private Practitioner, steering her own professional trajectory with a focus on providing quality healthcare. Simultaneously, she has been an instrumental force at Kemano Investments Holdings, where she holds the position of Executive Director, contributing significantly to the empowerment of women within the company.

Her involvement with SAMDP Provider Network Pty Ltd (SPNET) dates back to 2002, where she serves as the Marketing & Administration Director. Dr Ledwaba’s commitment to SAMDP is further highlighted by her role as an Executive Member since June 1, 2017.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr Ledwaba actively engages in various initiatives that reflect her commitment to community well-being. Serving as the School Doctor at Ikhwezilokusa Mentally Compromised Children School in De Deur since 2002 and as a Board Member at Kopanong Hospital from 2002 to 2005, she demonstrates a holistic approach to healthcare.

Her involvement as a Sessional Doctor at Sebokeng Hospital’s HIV and AIDS Clinic since 2004 underscores her dedication to addressing critical healthcare issues. Dr Ledwaba has played pivotal roles in committees such as Bonitas Clinical Coordination Committee and Central Peer Review Committee from 2010 to 2021.

Her association with IPA Foundation has been marked by consistent contributions, serving on the Peer Review Committee since 2010 and assuming the role of a Board Member from 2022 onwards.

Within the broader healthcare landscape, Dr Ledwaba has been a respected figure, contributing as a Family Practitioner Advisory Board Member at Discovery Health since 2015. Her commitment extends to the corporate sphere, where she has been serving as a Non-Executive Director at Clinix Health Group since 2019, elevating her role to Chair of REMCO from September 2022.

In recognition of her leadership and contributions, Dr Martha Ledwaba was honoured as the 2014 Discovery Health Emerging Leader in the Family Practitioner category. Her journey reflects not only a commitment to medical excellence but also a dedication to community well-being, empowerment, and leadership within the healthcare sector.

With a medical journey spanning 34 years, Dr Molefe David Kgalamono is a seasoned General Practitioner, equipped with a diverse educational background and a commitment to community health improvement. His qualifications include MBChB (Medunsa), BScMed Sc (Hons) Stellenbosch, Post Graduate Programme in Paediatric Nutrition (Boston University), and a Diploma in Photography (Shaw Academy).

Dr Kgalamono’s dedication to the medical field emerged over three decades ago. Initially drawn to Pharmacy, he pivoted to medicine due to encountered bureaucracy. As a General Practitioner for 32 years, his passion lies in the meaningful interaction with patients and the continuous pursuit of community health improvement.

Selected to join the SAMDP board, Dr Kgalamono started as an ordinary member, keenly interested in addressing the challenges faced by doctors, particularly General Practitioners. His perspective on protection, commitment, willingness to learn, and teamwork adds a unique dimension to the organisation.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Kgalamono served as a SAMA councillor from 2012 to 2014 and has been contributing to medical disability assessments at SASSA since 2007. His involvement in Health and Wellness extends to annual participation at Rhema church events (pre-COVID-19) and delivering health talks to various religious and educational institutions.

Dr Kgalamono brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to community health, and a unique perspective to the SAMDP board, where his contributions extend beyond clinical expertise to encompass a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the medical field.

Dr Medupe Lenyatso Modisane has 36 years of experience as a medical practitioner and has been an integral member of SAMDP since its inception. His early involvement centred on supporting medical and dental practitioners in previously disadvantaged communities, addressing challenges such as the introduction of general sales tax on medicines and the evolving landscape of managed healthcare.

His educational journey includes matriculation in 1981, an MBChB from MEDUNSA in 1987, a Diploma in Financial Management from Damelin Management College in 1994, an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, England in 2002, and additional courses in healthcare quality and patient safety from the University of Alabama in Birmingham as well as the Medicolegal Mediation Course from UCT.

His diverse career includes roles such as a medical officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, running a private general practice, serving as the Principal Executive Officer of Resolution Health Medical Scheme, and various managerial positions within the Gauteng Department of Health.

Dr Modisane’s achievements are part of collective efforts, particularly as part of SAMDP’s executive committee. In this capacity, he collaborates with the Exco collective to manage the business affairs of SAMDP in accordance with its Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) and the Companies Act. Contributing continually as a general member and Exco member over time, he remains an active participant in SAMDP. His commitment to advancing healthcare is evident through his extensive career and ongoing engagement with SAMDP, reflecting his dedication to the medical community.

Dr Makgale Solly Motlanthe has been a stalwart in the Kagiso community on the West Rand, serving as a general practitioner since 1986. As one of the founding members of SAMDP in 1989, his journey has been marked by a commitment to addressing the pressing issues affecting Black patients and doctors.

His involvement in SAMDP was triggered by dissatisfaction with the introduction of a general sales tax and a steep 15% copayment on dispensed medications for Bonitas medical scheme patients. Recognising the economic strain on the Black majority, D. Motlanthe played a pivotal role in the birth of SAMDP, expanding its mandate to champion the interests of Black healthcare practitioners.

With an MBChB degree from the then Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA) in 1983, Dr Motlanthe established a general medical practice in Kagiso in 1986. His dedication and clinical excellence were acknowledged with the Clinical Excellence Award at the South African Health Excellence Awards in 2019.

Acting as an educator, Dr Motlanthe is committed to the professional development of local doctors and South African medical students through teaching platforms. In his roles within SAMDP, he serves on the EXCO, identifying business opportunities, reshaping SAMDP for competitiveness, and advocating for the interests of Black healthcare practitioners.

Taking on the responsibility of Chairman of SGH, the business wing of SAMDP, Dr Motlanthe assesses opportunities identified by the business committee for consideration. His educational journey includes an MBA from Milpark Business School in 2006, complementing his medical expertise.

Dr Motlanthe’s contributions to SAMDP extend beyond financial viability. As the second treasurer, he raised funds, made strategic investments, and played a crucial role in the establishment of the African Medical and Dental Association conference at Sun City Resort. His representation at strategic meetings and instrumental role in drafting SAMDP’s position paper showcase his dedication to the association’s growth.

A former SAMA member until 2016, Dr Motlanthe was part of NAMDA in the late 80s, which later merged into the South African Medical Association (SAMA). He maintains affiliations with the Allergic Society of South Africa and the South African Thoracic Society.

Dr Makgale Solly Motlanthe’s professional journey is characterised by a blend of medical excellence, advocacy, and strategic leadership within SAMDP, reflecting his unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and championing the interests of Black healthcare practitioners.

Dr Gwendoline Malegwale Ramokgopa-Lephoko, affectionately known as Dr “Gwen,” was born in Atteridgeville, within the City of Tshwane and is an advocate for societal equity, justice, and prosperity. A distinguished Medical Doctor with a Masters degree in Public Health from Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences, Dr Gwen has contributed immensely to both the South African medical and political landscapes.

Her illustrious career encompasses roles as a Medical Officer at the renowned Dr George Mukhari Hospital, a General Medical Practitioner at Pretoria City Centre, and the National Health Program Manager at the Independent Development Trust during South Africa’s transition to democracy. She further served as a Medical Advisor at the Gauteng Department of Health, contributing her expertise to critical healthcare initiatives.

Dr Ramokgopa-Lephoko’s dedication to the medical field extends to her role as an associate of the University of Pretoria-based World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies. Her affiliation underscores her passion for addressing the broader determinants of health and advancing policies that prioritise holistic well-being.
In the preceding year, she served as a Special Advisor to the Minister in the Presidency in South Africa, showcasing her commitment to shaping policies that foster societal well-being. As the Chancellor at Tshwane University of Technology, she contributes to the academic sphere, promoting excellence and innovation in education.

She sits on the Boards of the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association (SAMDP), the Medical Women of South Africa, and the Medical Cooperative Bank, showcasing her multifaceted involvement in the medical community.

Dr Ramokgopa-Lephoko’s leadership extends beyond the medical realm. She has actively participated in governance and served on the boards of NETCARE, Nozala, Workers’ Health, and Medipost. Her involvement also spans councils, including MEDUNSA and the University of Pretoria, as well as executive positions in the City Council of Pretoria and the City of Tshwane, where she held roles as Executive Chairperson and Executive Mayor, respectively.

At the provincial level, Dr Gwen contributed significantly as the Member of the Legislature in Gauteng, serving as Provincial Minister for Health and for Social Development. Her impact resonated at the national level, where she assumed the role of Deputy Minister of Health in South Africa, highlighting her unwavering commitment to public service.

A veteran of the liberation struggle for democracy in South Africa, Dr Ramokgopa-Lephoko remains deeply engaged in extra-parliamentary politics. Her election as Treasurer General of the African National Congress in December 2022 underscores her continued dedication to the ideals of the liberation movement.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr Gwen is an ardent activist promoting human rights, wellness, and shared prosperity for equitable development. Her holistic approach to societal well-being reflects a lifetime commitment to fostering positive change and leaving an enduring legacy in the pursuit of a just and prosperous South Africa.

Dr Lenard Sizani, affectionately known as Len is a seasoned dental professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Since establishing his General Private Practice in 1988, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, overseeing a thriving dental practice that has served as a nurturing ground for young dentists, particularly from previously disadvantaged communities.

Dr Sizani’s commitment to the advancement of the dental profession is evident through his pivotal role as a Founder-member of the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association (SAMDP) and subsequent Executive Committee membership from 1995 to 1997. In 1998, he played a leading role in the formation of the South African Dental Association (SADA), a representative body for over 80% of practising dentists in South Africa.

Within the dental profession, Dr Sizani has held various key positions. Notably, he served on the Executive Committee of the Pretoria Branch of SADA from 1998 to 2007, assuming the role of President in 1999-2000. His contributions extended to the National SADA Head Office, where he held positions such as National Councillor, President (2003-2005), and Chairperson of critical committees, including Allied Oral Healthcare Professionals and Constitution.

Internationally, Dr Sizani has been actively engaged with the FDI (International Dental Federation) since 2003, serving as President of the Southern Region of the African Regional Organization (ARO) from 2005 to 2011. His commitment to global dental issues is further underscored by his participation as a delegate in conferences and committee meetings held in various countries.

Beyond his professional affiliations, Dr Sizani has contributed significantly to dental education. He served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Operative Dentistry at Medunsa from 1988 to 1997. His involvement in various organisations, including the Namda-Boarder Region and the Detainees Support Committee in 1987, reflects his broader commitment to community welfare.

His influence extends to governance roles, evidenced by his membership on the Wits University Council since 2008, where he actively contributes to executive, finance, risk, ICT, and university investment committees. He has also served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on NHI from 2009 to 2014 and held chairmanship positions on boards such as Steve Biko Academic Hospital and Strata Healthcare Management.

In the corporate sphere, Dr Sizani’s leadership roles include being CEO of 360 Dental (National Dental Healthcare Network) from 2007-2008 and Director positions at organizations such as PPS, DENIS, Phodiso Holdings, and Dental Risk Company.

Currently serving as the Executive Account Manager for Hosmed at Dental Risk Company, Dr Sizani continues to make significant contributions to the dental field. His appointment as a Member of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital Board in 2019 is a testament to his enduring commitment to healthcare governance.