About the foundation
45 years of fighting for every south African heart.
We’re a national non-profit working to reduce heart disease and stroke through prevention, education, and community support — built on decades of evidence and care.
Year founded
Years of impact
National branches
Permanent staff
who we are
A non-profit built on evidence, not assumption.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) plays a leading role in the fight against preventable heart disease and stroke, with the aim of seeing fewer people in South Africa suffer premature deaths and disabilities. Established in 1980, we’re a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that relies on external funding to sustain the work we carry out.
We’re a national organisation with branches in Cape Town (head office), Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg — supported by a team of 15 permanent employees, interns, and part-time staff.
Why we exist
Cardiovascular disease is South Africa’s leading cause of death and disability after HIV/AIDS — responsible for almost 1 in 6 deaths, more than all cancers combined. Yet 80% of these deaths are preventable.
Lives lost daily to CVD
Founded in Cape Town
who we are
Mission, vision, and the work that backs it up.
To promote cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health through advocacy, influencing policy, and providing the information, tools, and support South Africans need.
To halt the rise of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease in South Africa by empowering people to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek appropriate care early.
Through prevention-first programmes, survivor support and rehabilitation, and frontline training — reaching communities directly, not just in theory.
who we are
Why every minute counts.
South Africans lost daily
Of early deaths are preventable
Deaths in SA linked to CVD
Years driving change
what we focus on
Three work streams, one goal.
Everything we do sits under three pillars — each one reinforcing the others.
Help us reach the next heart.
Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared guide brings us closer to a South Africa where fewer families lose someone too soon.
our network
Proud members of the global heart health community.
