Dr Sabelilie Tenza, a patient safety expert at North-West University (NWU), led a powerful conversation about strengthening patient safety and healthcare in Africa at the recent Quality Management and Patient Safety – Reimagined Forum, which was held at the WHX Labs in Cape Town.
Hosted in partnership with the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), the forum aimed to find solutions to create a culture in which families and communities play an active role in safety and care.
Leading healthcare professionals, policymakers and academics shared practical success stories and strategies for overcoming global health challenges. Key themes at the 2025 conference included improving quality in healthcare, breaking leadership boundaries, and public empowerment. Another important addition to this year’s agenda was the topic of family engagement within the African healthcare context. Many experts believe that this subject is critical for achieving long-term sustainable change in health systems.
As a respected voice in the field, Dr Tenza led the discussion, highlighting that high-quality, safe care is possible when healthcare leaders, practitioners and communities collaborate. “Communities are not just beneficiaries of healthcare; they are vital resources. By collaborating with them, we can create accountability and stronger healthcare systems.”
“We must empower communities to influence the decisions that affect their health,” she said.
According to Dr Tenza, improving patient safety care should not end at the hospital door. Following up at home and seeking feedback makes patients and families true co-creators of solutions.
“We must show communities what actions were taken after they shared their input,” she stated.
Towards the end of the forum, there was a panel discussion which explored how healthcare institutions can empower the public to play an active role in creating safe and caring environments.
This forum shaped future conversations on how healthcare systems in Africa can incorporate patient safety and quality management into their strategies. As these healthcare systems continue to demonstrate that high-quality, safe care can be provided in under-resourced environments, technology can be a powerful tool to improve community access to healthcare.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Tenza described the forum as a critical platform that brings together experts from across the African continent to share experiences and exchange knowledge. She also expressed her gratitude for being invited to chair this prestigious conference for the second consecutive year.
According to Dr Sabelile Tenza, true progress begins when we take community concerns seriously.
