About Us

Let's Grow Together

Hlumisa Rural Health foundation was founded in 2023 by a group of passionate health care professionals associated with Isilimela Hospital.

Located in the rural Eastern Cape, Isilimela hospital is a government funded 100 bed district level hospital which offers care to approximately 400 000 people in the OR Tambo District in the rural Eastern Cape.

Isilimela is the isiXhosa name of the planting star that appears above the horizon in June and symbolises the time to start planting crops. It is a symbol of hope and a promise of growth.

The name Hlumisa in isiXhosa translates to "Let's grow together."

As a foundation that is exactly what we hope to achieve.

Through our relationship with Isilimela Hospital we aim to initiate well researched projects that will assist Isilimela Hospital in delivering improved healthcare services to its community.

We invite you to join us as we growth together towards better and more sustainable healthcare for all.

Meet The Team

Dr. Graeme Hofmeyr

Founder & CEO

With a background in social anthropology, Dr. Hofmeyr has a deep appreciation for the cultural and social factors that shape healthcare experiences. His anthropological training has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between healthcare providers, patients, and communities.

As a family physician, Dr. Hofmeyr has extensive experience in providing comprehensive primary care to diverse patient populations. His clinical expertise is complemented by his strong leadership skills, which he uses to manage and mentor healthcare teams.

Dr. Hofmeyr is committed to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing health disparities in marginalized communities. He is a strong advocate for patient-centered care and works tirelessly to ensure that every individual receives compassionate, evidence-based care.

Through his work at Isilimela Hospital, Dr. Hofmeyr is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. His unique blend of medical and anthropological expertise makes him an invaluable asset to our team.

Lalenja Kolbe

Founder & CEO

Lalenja started her professional career as an Occupational Therapist in the rural Eastern Cape in 2020 and has since fell inlove with rural medicine. She is passionate about improving healthcare standards no matter the resource constraints.

Dr. Dakota Corbett

Founder & CEO

Medical Officer

Dakota is a South African doctor who grew up in the Eastern Cape visiting the community around Isilimela hospital. She currently works as a Medical Officer in a Palliative care practice in Cape Town.

Lisa Southey

Founder & CEO

Legal affairs

Lisa has a law degree and a doctorate from Sydney University. Her primary focus is labour law and legal measures for the accommodation of work and caregiving. She was a Senior Researcher at the Health Economics and Aids Research (HEARD) Division at UKZN for a number of years and a Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

About Us

Meet The Team

Thank you to our sponsors!

HLUMISA RURAL HEALTH FOUNDATION