History
The Heart Foundation (a Section 21 non-for-profit company with 18-A status) was established in 1980 to co-ordinate heart health activities in South Africa.
September 2006 saw the amalgamation of the Heart Foundation with the Stroke Foundation and becoming the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. The joining of the two Foundations can only aid in the fight against heart and stroke disease, by creating awareness of the risk factors and focusing on prevention.
Aside from HIV and AIDS related deaths, heart disease and stroke (jointly termed cardiovascular disease) are the number one killer in South Africa. 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women will have a heart condition before the age of 60.
The function of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa is to present the vast scientific knowledge of heart disease and stroke to the public in an understandable and applicable manner.
Membership:
World Heart Federation www.whf.com
African Heart Network www.ahnetwork.org
Gold Sponsors
- Unilever
- Tiger Brands
- Spur Steak Ranches
- Oceana Brands
Who's Who
Our Ambassadors
Gareth Cliff (Ambassador with Heart, Idols Judge & radio personality): I'm always going on about fat people – some fat people think I hate them. I don't. If it’s not due to medical reasons then I can't believe what people are doing to themselves – I've decided to do something instead of just talk and I've accepted an invitation from the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) to become an ambassador of the HSFSA. I discovered that heart problems – globally – are THE leading cause of death. In South Africa, heart disease is on a dramatic rise – more South Africans die of heart problems and stroke than of all the cancers combined. This disease does not discriminate, not by race, culture, or wealth!
Jo-Ann Strauss (dynamic business woman & TV personality): Health is the new wealth. We focus on earning a living and material things so much, but at what cost?! If we want to have a balanced life and enjoy life, we have to realise that our health is the biggest gift and privilege and it’s our duty to maintain it.
Mark Pilgrim (acclaimed radio & TV personality): People always think that ill-health won't happen to them. But I am living proof that as a healthy fit man, it can happen to anyone. I had a heart attack in 2008 and survived because I happened to be in my doctor's office when it happened. Appreciate what you have. Appreciate your family and loved ones. Appreciate your heart!
Michelle Garforth-Venter (celebrated TV personality): I think the first step is to evaluate your thinking and know why you want to live a healthier lifestyle. And be honest about it. It doesn’t have to cost money to be healthy, exercise can be free. My best advice would be to start small, go for a walk when you get home, climb the stairs at work or when out shopping, rather than taking the lift. By doing it this way you won’t even notice that you are exercising and it will create a positive habit. There are no short cuts. Remember, healthy parents equal healthy kids.
Simba Mhere (Top Billing’s newest &hottest Presenter): One in three men and one in four women will suffer from a heart condition before the age of 60. No matter whether you are overweight, skinny, tall or short, all you need to do is two simple things to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – exercise regularly and eat well. The hardest part is getting off the couch.
Saskia Falken (popular radio & TV personality): I think that we do not pay enough attention to our hearts and we don’t realise that what we eat today will affect the future. Living healthy now could prevent all kinds of illnesses five or ten years from now. People must realise that our individual health becomes the health of our nation and is important both from an economic and nation-building perspective.
L’loyd Cele (Idols 2010 Finalist & Musician): I make sure I eat the right foods and get enough exercise. Taking a break is important to me and it’s vital to manage your stress levels. I think doing something as simple as switching one’s cell phone off and playing with the kids can make a great difference; it’s a moment to reflect, and for me it is a special time just between me and my son.
The Board
Richard Cramer (Vice-Chairman)
Farouk Meyer (Chairman)
Shan Biesman-Simons
Dr. Vash Mungal-Singh
HSFSA Advisory Panel
David Marais
Tom Mabin
Alan Bryer
Jimmy Volmink
Johan Brink
Karen Sliwa-Hahnle
Krisela Steyn
Liesl Zuhlke
Salie Abrahams
Tracy Kolbe-Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Vash Mungal-Singh
Director: Nutrition & Education
Shân Biesman-Simons RD(SA)
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: shan@heartfoundation.co.za
Functional Manager
Patrick Adamson
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email : patrick@heartfoundation.co.za
Communications Officer
Victoria Clarke
Tel: 021 403 6450
victoria@heartfoundation.co.za
Communications
Nuha Jappie
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: nuhaj@heartfoundation.co.za
Programme Director: Project Management
Ashleigh Kuttner
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email : ashleigh@heartfoundation.co.za
Business Development Unit/Heart Mark
Dr Shaun Cochrane
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: shaun@heartfoundation.co.za
Valentina Riazanova
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: valentina@heartfoundation.co.za
Registered Dietician
Erika Ketterer
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: erika@heartfoundation.co.za
Registered Dietician
Lucy Gericke
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: lucy@heartfoundation.co.za
Public Health Officer
Moise Muzigaba
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email:moise@heartfoundation.co.za
Regional Manager: KwaZulu-Natal
Dana Govender
Tel: (031) 261 9055
Email: dana@heartfoundation.co.za
Corporate and Community Health Screenings Coordinator
Amina Habib
Tel: 021 403 6450
Email: amina@heartfoundation.co.za