The Aurum Institute
Contact

29 October 2026

Aurum MDP graduates 180 managers in the Western Cape

Aurum MDP graduates 180 managers in the Western Cape

Over three years, the Aurum Institute’s Management Development Programme (MDP) has equipped 180 public healthcare managers in the Western Cape with skills to strengthen leadership, management and service delivery. The final cohort of 2026 was celebrated at three graduation events across the province.

The graduations recognised managers from Metro Health Services, the City of Cape Town, Emergency Medical Services, Forensic Pathology Services and districts across the Western Cape. The graduates represented a range of professions and management levels, reflecting the breadth of leadership needed across the public health system.

MDP graduates at their celebration ceremony.
MDP graduates at their celebration ceremony.

Funded by the Gates Foundation, the three-year programme was delivered with the support of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. It combines classroom-based learning with on-site mentorship and practical application, helping managers translate what they learn into their day-to-day roles.

The real value of the programme lies in how graduates apply their learning in the workplace. As Aurum MDP Project Manager Jessie Graven explains. “The Aurum MDP is an effective programme to upskill managers of all levels in the different departments in the health sector. At the end of this three-year project, we are proud of the accomplishments of the participants and confident that they will bring about change and continuous improvement in service delivery in their respective facilities and departments by implementing the tools and skills acquired in the MDP.”

Cape Town Metro Health Services and Forensic Pathology Services graduates.
Cape Town Metro Health Services and Forensic Pathology Services graduates.
Marinda Theron, Aurum Managing Director: Public Health Division and Jessie Graven, Aurum MDP Project Manager with graduate Dr Rushaan Gaffoor.
Marinda Theron, Aurum Managing Director: Public Health Division and Jessie Graven, Aurum MDP Project Manager with graduate Dr Rushaan Gaffoor.
Garden Route and Central Kaaroo MDP Graduates.
Garden Route and Central Kaaroo MDP Graduates.

Throughout the graduation events, speakers also highlighted the importance of strong working relationships, adapting to change, taking responsibility for applying new skills and keeping patient care at the centre of decision-making.

The graduations marked the end of the programme’s three-year project, but the work continues as graduates return to their facilities and departments to put their learning into practice. Their development represents an investment in the people responsible for leading teams, managing resources and supporting healthcare delivery.

MDP Graduates from the Western Cape Ecosystem.
MDP Graduates from the Western Cape Ecosystem.
Cape Town Metro Health Services and Forensic Pathology Services MDP Graduates.
Cape Town Metro Health Services and Forensic Pathology Services MDP Graduates.

Aurum congratulates all 180 graduates and thanks the Gates Foundation and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness for their support of the programme.