About Health-e News
About Health-e News
Health-e News is a South African independent, non-profit health newsroom. Since 1999, we have reported on the health issues facing the millions of South Africans who depend on the public healthcare system — and we put patients and communities at the centre of our stories.
What we cover
We publish original journalism on public health, health systems and the social conditions that shape both: water, sanitation, housing, food security, gender-based violence, climate and mental health. Our work spans grassroots news, explainers, and long-form features. All Health-e News stories are free to read. We publish under a Creative Commons licence, so other newsrooms, NGOs and educators are welcome to republish our work at no cost, with attribution.
How we work
Health-e News is built around a network of journalists and community reporters in places national newsrooms rarely cover — rural villages, townships and small towns across multiple provinces. Through our OurHealth community journalism programme, we train and support reporters who live in the communities they cover, so the people most affected by health and service-delivery failures are the ones telling the story.
Our independence
Health-e News is editorially independent. We are funded by grants from foundations and donor partners, and by readers who choose to support our work. Funders have no influence over what we cover or how we cover it. We are a member of the Press Council of South Africa and bound by the South African Press Code; complaints may be lodged with the Press Council.
Bernard Chiguvare
Bernard Chiguvare is a Zimbabwean-born freelance journalist based in Limpopo with more than a decade of experience. He focuses on health, social justice and issues affecting communities. His work has appeared in local and international publications.
Tholakele Mbonani
Tholakele Mbonani is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in community-centered storytelling, currently focusing on health, development, and social impact reporting.
Jandri Barnard
Jandri Barnard is a registered dietitian in private practice and consults at Mediclinic Newcastle. She holds an MSc in Dietetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is currently pursuing a PhD. Her work focuses on clinical nutrition, diabetes and renal care, and translating nutrition research into practical health advice.
Lerato Kodisang
Lerato Kodisang is a journalist with experience engaging communities through civil society and local platforms at district and provincial level. She is passionate about health and people-centred reporting that centres lived experiences and gives voice to issues that matter to communities.
Moyahabo Mabeba
Moyahabo Mabeba is an all-round reporter whose journalism career spans almost three decades. He has worked for several national publications and is a former editor of The Journal newspaper. His reporting has a strong human-interest focus, particularly on the experiences of vulnerable communities. A softball fanatic, he also works in marketing and publicity in sporting circles.
Tembile Sgqolana
Health-e News
Health-e News is South Africa's dedicated public health news service and home to OurHealth citizen journalism. Follow us on Twitter @HealtheNews
Prof. Chrysis Sofianos
Professor Chrysis Sofianos is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and Academic Head of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Brigitte Read
Brigitte Read is Health-e News’ Associate Editor. She works on creating innovative journalism projects and believes effective health reporting can empower and transform communities.
Lucas Phelwane
Lerato Kodisang
Lerato Kodisang is a journalist with experience engaging communities through civil society and local platforms at district and provincial level. She is passionate about health and people-centred reporting that centres lived experiences and gives voice to issues that matter to communities.
Keletso Mkhwanazi
Keletso Mkhwanazi is a South African investigative journalist with a proven track record of delivering impactful stories that drive change. She has worked as a freelance reporter since 2016.
Lucas Phelwane
Leon de Beer
Leon de Beer is the Deputy Director for the South African Federation for Mental Health.
Thabang Thembani
Thabang Thembani is from the mine-hosting town of Nyakallong, where they've witnessed firsthand the impact of mining on local communities. As a dedicated community advocate and activist, Thabang has been instrumental in highlighting social and environmental challenges faced by residents. Their work includes community monitoring, reporting on issues like the Voelpan Dam's effect on Mosala Secondary School, and advocating for the rights and well-being of Nyakallong's community. Through their efforts, Thabang aims to bring about positive change and promote sustainable development in their hometown.
Tholakele Mbonani
Tholakele Mbonani is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in community-centered storytelling, currently focusing on health, development, and social impact reporting.
Moyahabo Mabeba
Moyahabo Mabeba is an all-round reporter whose journalism career spans almost three decades. He has worked for several national publications and is a former editor of The Journal newspaper. His reporting has a strong human-interest focus, particularly on the experiences of vulnerable communities. A softball fanatic, he also works in marketing and publicity in sporting circles.
Keletso Mkhwanazi
Keletso Mkhwanazi is a South African investigative journalist with a proven track record of delivering impactful stories that drive change. She has worked as a freelance reporter since 2016.
Adél Van Niekerk
Adél van Niekerk is News Editor at Health-e News. Her journalism focuses on the people behind the headlines, connecting wider health and social trends to what happens on the ground when public systems fail them.
Bernard Chiguvare
Bernard Chiguvare is a Zimbabwean-born freelance journalist based in Limpopo with more than a decade of experience. He focuses on health, social justice and issues affecting communities. His work has appeared in local and international publications.
