Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) hosted its Women’s Health and Financial Well-being Breakfast on 30 October 2025, an empowering morning dedicated to women’s health, resilience, and financial security.
The event took place at The Kerzner@UJ, Auckland Park, and was made possible by our main sponsor AfroCentric Group and complimentary sponsor AON.
The morning’s agenda featured leading medical and industry experts: Dr Hlengiwe Zikalala, Medical Adviser: GEMS HIV Management at Medscheme; Dr Jenni Noble-Luckhoff, Functional Head: Oncology Management at Medscheme; and Mbali Khumalo, Managing Director at Simeka Health, who each shed light on critical issues impacting women today – from healthcare challenges to the silent crisis of inadequate insurance cover and its effect on women’s lives.
Prioritising health and work-life balance
“The key message I wanted the audience to take away from my session is that true health is holistic - it’s about taking care of the body, mind, and spirit. Health doesn’t just come from medical treatment, but from recognising our inherent worth and our right to rest, care, and healing, especially in light of the health issues women face today,” said Dr Zikalala, Medical Advisor: GEMS HIV Management, Medscheme.
“From my perspective, the biggest health challenges women face when managing chronic conditions include the tendency to put others first, often neglecting their own health needs. Women are juggling work, caregiving, and family responsibilities, which makes it easy to delay appointments or overlook early symptoms. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and sometimes fear or shame around health screenings, particularly for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and cancers. The emotional toll of caregiving and limited access to mental health resources further complicates the management of chronic conditions,” she added.
“Practical steps women can take include making health appointments a priority, as non-negotiable as any important meeting. Women should also focus on mindful eating, daily movement, and adequate rest without guilt. Emotional well-being should be addressed through journaling, prayer, or talking to trusted individuals. These small, consistent actions help build a foundation of self-care that is sustainable in the long term,” continued Dr Zikalala.
She concluded, “If I could leave the audience with one health-related piece of advice, it would be: listen to your body, honour your emotions, and protect your peace. Our bodies communicate with us through fatigue, pain, and even anxiety. Our emotions are signals, not weaknesses. It’s crucial to acknowledge them, seek screenings, follow medical advice, and take time to rest when needed. Your health is your responsibility and, in many ways, a ministry that empowers others to do the same.”
Empowering women through proactive health care
Dr Noble-Luckhoff, Functional Head of Oncology Management at Medscheme, shared powerful insights into how cancer care is evolving and how women - both as professionals and patients - are central to that transformation. She emphasised that “cancer is no longer just a clinical issue; it’s a deeply personal, social, and financial one.”
She noted that by understanding the impact of early detection, treatment access, and support systems, women can make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and others. In the insurance industry, this translates into a responsibility to enable better health outcomes through smarter cover, proactive education, and compassionate claims processes.
She highlighted that one of the most pressing challenges women face is delayed action - often due to fear, stigma, lack of time, or limited access to screening. “Many women prioritise others over themselves, postponing check-ups until symptoms become serious. This delay can mean the difference between early-stage treatment and late-stage intervention,” she explained. Disparities in access to oncology services across South Africa further complicate the situation, underscoring the need to normalise conversations around cancer, encourage regular screening, and create supportive, non-judgmental environments for women seeking care.
When it comes to taking a proactive role in safeguarding their health, Dr Noble-Luckhoff urged women to start with awareness and action. She encouraged regular screenings such as mammograms and pap smears, knowing one’s family history, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management. “In the workplace, women can advocate for wellness programmes and flexible policies that support preventive care,” she added. “And in the insurance space, we can help clients understand the value of early intervention and comprehensive cover.”
Closing with a powerful message, she reminded attendees that “your health is your power - protect it fiercely.” She encouraged women to share their stories, break the silence around cancer, and build a culture where health is viewed as a priority rather than a luxury. “Whether you’re a mother, sister, colleague, or friend - your voice can inspire someone to take that life-saving step,” she said.
Healthcare and financial well-being for women
At the breakfast, Khumalo delivered a powerful message on the intersection of healthcare and financial well-being for women. She opened by emphasising that the silent crisis of inadequate healthcare insurance deeply affects women’s lives. According to Khumalo, many of the chronic conditions that disproportionately affect South African women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, depression, and autoimmune diseases, could be mitigated through early detection and timely treatment - if healthcare were more accessible. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 28, and 20% of cases occur in women under 40. Cervical cancer causes over 10,000 new cases annually, with women living with HIV particularly vulnerable. Depression affects 4.5 million South Africans, and autoimmune diseases are up to four times more common in women.
“Healthcare insurance is not a luxury, it is a lifeline,” she stated, underlining that it is foundational to both women’s health and financial security.
Khumalo highlighted the harsh realities faced by South African women, particularly the rising costs of healthcare and the misconception that insurance is optional. She explained that many women delay or forgo necessary medical care due to financial constraints, only to face more severe and expensive health problems down the line. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that women tend to earn less, live longer, and are more likely to be caregivers, placing additional financial strain on them. “40% of women are single and financially responsible for their households, often supporting extended family as well,” she noted. Despite these heavy responsibilities, many women are underinsured, with only 26% having life cover, 5% having dread disease cover, and just 3% having income protection. “This means that when illness strikes, many women face catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses, delayed treatment, or a complete lack of care, further deepening cycles of poverty and poor health,” she added.
In her speech, Khumalo also discussed the practical solutions for women to protect themselves financially and health-wise. She encouraged women to regularly review their medical cover to ensure it meets their needs, including coverage for chronic conditions and preventative care. “Speak to a financial adviser who understands women’s unique health journeys,” she advised, stressing that knowledge and proactive planning are key to securing a healthier, more financially resilient future.
Finally, Khumalo urged women, especially those in the insurance industry, to prioritise their own health cover. “Be your own advocate,” she said, recognising that when women are healthy and financially secure, entire families and communities thrive.
Thank you
GWII would like to thank our main sponsor, AfroCentric Group, and complimentary sponsor, AON, for their generous sponsorship and support of this important event. Without our sponsors, mornings like these would not be possible.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers - Dr Hlengiwe Zikalala, Dr Jenni Noble-Luckhoff, and Mbali Khumalo - for sharing their expertise and shedding light on the critical issues facing women’s health and financial well-being. Your insights are a reminder that knowledge is power, and access to healthcare and financial security is essential for every woman.
And finally, to all the women who joined us - thank you for being part of this journey. May you leave feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to take charge of your health and financial future.
See photo album here