Scaling healthcare infrastructure through strategic partnership

South Africa’s private healthcare sector is widely recognised for delivering high-quality, specialist-led care. However, it continues to face persistent criticism for its high costs and limited accessibility that place it beyond the reach of a large portion of the population.

As pressure mounts to create a more inclusive and sustainable system, alternative care models are emerging to bridge this gap.

One such model is the growing network of day hospitals within the private sector. Designed to perform same-day surgical and diagnostic procedures, these facilities enable patients to be admitted, treated and discharged within a matter of hours. This approach not only reduces the overall cost of care but also enhances operational efficiency and minimises the risk of hospital-acquired infections, making it an increasingly attractive option for both providers and patients.

Against this backdrop, Cure Day Hospitals has partnered with Tamela, a leading boutique investment firm. The collaboration is aimed at accelerating Cure Day Hospitals’ national expansion strategy while advancing its mission to improve access to affordable, high-quality same-day surgical care across the country.

Director Vusi Mahlangu says the original investment in Cure Day Hospitals Group in December 2010 was underpinned by a clear shift in care delivery. “Rising private care costs, coupled with advances in surgical techniques and anaesthesia, have increased demand for safe, same-day procedures.

“Cure Day Hospital’s focused day hospital model, built on efficiency, affordability and clinical excellence, positioned the business to capitalise on this trend while delivering sustainable value,” he adds.

Tamela’s investment in Cure Day Hospitals Group has supported both the expansion and long-term resilience of its hospitals. By investing alongside management, the partnership ensured strong alignment and a shared commitment to growth.

Mahlangu says the model has enabled Cure Day Hospitals to pursue a disciplined rollout strategy, combining new hospital developments with the expansion and enhancement of existing facilities.

“Predictable elective same-day procedure volumes and strong relationships with medical schemes have further supported stable cashflows and scalable growth.”

Beyond capital, Tamela has played an active strategic role in Cure Day Hospitals’ growth. Working closely with management, Tamela has contributed to shaping the company’s expansion strategy, strengthening governance frameworks and supporting key decision-making at board level.

Access to broader industry networks and relationships with financiers have also been instrumental in enabling Cure Day Hospitals to scale effectively while maintaining operational discipline.

Mahlangu says over the course of the investment, Cure Day Hospitals has evolved from a single facility into a rapidly expanding national network of day hospitals across South Africa. “As of the end of February 2026, the group employed 477 staff members across 14 facilities, with a 15th hospital in Gqeberha scheduled to be fully operational in July and additional licences in the pipeline.

“The network currently operates 44 theatres, delivering more than 2.4 million minutes of surgical capacity annually. This expansion has significantly increased its capacity, with more operating theatres and a broader range of surgical procedures and specialties now available.”

Importantly, this growth has enhanced patient access by bringing cost-effective private same-day surgical care services closer to communities, offering a viable alternative to traditional hospital settings.

Cure Day Hospitals CEO Bert von Wielligh says that with several new day hospitals recently opened and additional facilities in the pipeline, Cure Day Hospitals Group is entering its next phase of growth. “This stage focuses on deepening our presence in key regions and consolidating our position as a leading provider in the day hospital segment.”

For Tamela, this progression reflects the maturation of a high-performing business with continued value creation potential. As Cure Day Hospitals scales further, the partnership is well-positioned to explore future opportunities.

Together, Cure Day Hospitals and Tamela are advancing a shared vision: delivering accessible, efficient and sustainable same-day surgical care solutions that meet the evolving needs of patients and the broader care system.