Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube's Keynote Sets Stage for Innovation

The launch of the Regenesys School of Health Sciences marks a pivotal moment in South Africa's higher education landscape, particularly amid pressing healthcare workforce shortages. Held on February 24, 2026, at 165 West Street in Sandton, Johannesburg, the event themed 'AI and Innovation in Healthcare Leadership' drew government dignitaries, industry leaders, and educators. Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the government's commitment to expanding quality health sciences training through private sector partnerships.

Dr Dube-Ncube, a seasoned politician and former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized the need for innovative curricula that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies to address systemic challenges in South Africa's public health system. Her speech highlighted how initiatives like this align with the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) goals to increase skilled health professionals, especially as public universities struggle with capacity limits.

Regenesys: A Leader in Private Higher Education Expands into Health Sciences

Regenesys Business School, established in Sandton, has long been recognized for its accredited programs in business, law, public management, and technology. Registered with the DHET (registration number 2000/HE07/023) and accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), the institution now ventures into health sciences to meet national demands.

The School of Health Sciences embodies Regenesys' philosophy of transformative education, blending Eastern and Western principles with a focus on holistic development. Dr Rowen Govender, Head of the School, articulated this vision: "We are not just producing healthcare workers. We are cultivating health leaders who heal with science, lead with empathy, and innovate for impact." This expansion responds to South Africa's growing need for versatile health professionals amid a projected shortage of nearly 97,000 workers.

South Africa's Healthcare Crisis: Why New Training Capacity Matters

South Africa's healthcare system grapples with significant workforce gaps, including a nursing shortage of about 26,000 professionals and broader deficits exacerbated by population growth, disease burdens like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and post-pandemic recovery. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes Africa requires millions more health workers, with South Africa facing inequities in distribution and skills mismatches.

Public universities, such as those in the Faculty of Health Sciences at institutions like the University of Pretoria, receive overwhelming applications—over 65,000 for limited spots—forcing many qualified matriculants into gap years or alternative paths. Private higher education providers like Regenesys are stepping up, offering flexible, accredited programs to alleviate this pressure and support National Development Plan goals for skilled labor.

The integration of private institutions is crucial, as highlighted in recent DHET briefings, where Minister Buti Manamela noted exclusions from high-demand fields like health sciences due to space constraints. Regenesys' launch contributes to a diversified post-school ecosystem, promoting access and innovation.

Vision and Unique Features of the Regenesys School of Health Sciences

The school's vision is to transform health systems through knowledge, leadership, and innovation, with a mission to develop future-ready professionals equipped for digital transformation and community needs. Key features include:

• Interdisciplinary curricula merging AI, telehealth, data analytics, and ethical leadership.
• Community engagement via partnerships with clinics, NGOs, and global bodies for hands-on fieldwork.
• Flexible learning options, including online and part-time modes, catering to working adults.
• Focus on mental wellbeing, resilience, and policy influence for holistic training.

This approach addresses traditional gaps in health education, preparing graduates for roles in clinical care, administration, and research.

Programs and Entry Requirements: Building Versatile Health Leaders

While specific program details are rolling out post-launch, the school offers career-focused qualifications such as Bachelor of Health Sciences, public health diplomas, health management degrees, and specialized MBAs for healthcare professionals. These build on prerequisites like National Senior Certificate (NSC) with strong marks in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and English.

Entry typically requires a minimum Admission Point Score (APS), medical fitness checks, and sometimes interviews or volunteer experience. Programs emphasize practical skills: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and emerging areas like health informatics.

For those eyeing clinical research jobs or health administration, Regenesys provides pathways blending science and management, ideal for South Africa's dual public-private health sectors.

Distinguished Speakers Spotlight Industry Expertise

Beyond the Deputy Minister, the lineup featured trailblazers:

• Dr Rowen Govender: Head of School, expert in microbiology and healthcare management, advocating AI-driven solutions.
• Dineo Lioma: Health tech entrepreneur and CEO of Docotela, pioneering mobile pathology access in underserved areas.
• Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela: CEO of SAHPRA, overseeing health product regulation amid counterfeit challenges.
• Dr Sylvia Sathekge and Maurice Goodman, adding clinical and leadership insights.

These voices reinforced the event's focus on innovation, regulation, and equitable access.

Government and Private Sector Collaboration in Focus

Dr Dube-Ncube's presence signals DHET endorsement of private expansions, vital as universities hit capacity—rejecting over 500,000 applicants annually. This aligns with calls for public-private integration to tackle 2026 enrollment crises in health sciences.

Regenesys' accreditations ensure quality, positioning it to absorb 'missing middle' students via bursaries and flexible funding. For career advice, check higher ed career advice resources.

Career Opportunities and Future Outlook

Graduates enter high-demand roles: health managers, public health specialists, informatics analysts, with salaries competitive in private clinics and NHI implementation. AI integration prepares them for telemedicine and predictive analytics, addressing SA's 1.55 health workers per 1,000 threshold far below WHO's 4.45.

Looking ahead, the school plans open days (e.g., Feb 28 online) and partnerships, boosting SA's health leadership pipeline amid 2026 reforms.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

How to Join the Regenesys Health Sciences Revolution

Prospective students can apply via the Regenesys portal for 2026 intake, benefiting from supportive services like financial aid and career placement. This launch not only expands access but inspires a new era of health education in South Africa.

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