Melanie da Costa has been appointed as the new CEO of Netcare. (Photo: Provided)
Netcare, one of South Africa’s largest private healthcare groups, has appointed Melanie da Costa as its new CEO.
She follows in the footsteps of dr. Richard Friedland who is retiring at the end of the year after three decades at the helm of Netcare.
Da Costa is the current executive director of strategy and health policy and will work with Friedland for the next six months, taking over the reins on 1 January 2027. Friedland will retire on December 31. At the request of the board, Friedland agreed to remain as strategic advisor and CEO for six months, after which he will work on a consulting basis from January 1 to June 30, 2027.
Da Costa’s appointment comes at a critical time in the South African healthcare sector.
The sector currently finds itself in the midst of the proposed implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), changing regulatory and funding dynamics, as well as the rapid acceleration of digital healthcare, data and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
However, with more than two decades of experience spanning fund negotiations, health policy, capital markets and operational leadership, Da Costa is widely regarded in the industry as one of the most experienced candidates to take over from Friedland.
“Da Costa is a respected industry leader with the ability to deliver operational excellence, disciplined capital allocation and the continued execution of Netcare’s strategy in the service of our patients, partners, employees, medical funds and suppliers,” said Alex Maditsi, chairman of the Netcare board.
“She brings strategic insight, commercial discipline, a mindset for growth and a deep appreciation for the role that health technology and innovation play in driving differentiation and sustainable growth. For more than 20 years at Netcare, she has made an extraordinary contribution to the group and earned widespread respect in the organization and among stakeholders. She is without a doubt the right person to lead Netcare into the future.”
Da Costa is a chartered financial analyst (CFA) with a master’s degree in commerce from Unisa and a BCom Honors degree from Wits. She described it as a privilege to accept the role at such a defining moment for the sector.
“It is the greatest honor of my career to be trusted with the leadership of Netcare,” she said.
“Our sector is being reshaped by policy changes, by the expectations of the people we serve and by the extraordinary possibilities that digital and data-driven care now offers. Netcare’s strategy is clear: Our people are exceptional and our commitment to person-centred health and care remains unwavering.
“I had the privilege of working with Richard for two decades. The Netcare he leaves behind is not the Netcare he found – he and the team built it into one of the most respected healthcare organizations on the continent. I am truly grateful for his mentorship and committed to building on the extraordinary foundation he and the team laid.”
(Photo: Netcare 911)
Da Costa joined Netcare in 2006 to set up the health policy unit and has since played a key role in shaping national health policy through evidence-driven engagement with policy makers, regulators and funders. She then led the group’s acquisition of mental health provider Akeso and served as its managing director. She is also a member of Netcare’s financial committee, serves on the board of National Renal Care and is a former chairperson of the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA).
Friedland’s retirement also marks the end of a defining chapter in South Africa’s private healthcare.
Netcare says that as co-founder of the group, he led it for more than three decades and developed it into a leading and respected healthcare provider with more than 18,000 employees.
Under his leadership, Netcare established several new divisions, including Netcare 911, Netcare Diagnostics and Netcare Plus, and established itself as an internationally recognized leader in environmental sustainability and digital innovation in healthcare.
“Dr Friedland initiated and led the development of the group’s long-term strategy for person-centred health and care, supported by digitalisation, data and AI-driven innovation, placing Netcare at the forefront of healthcare transformation,” said Maditsi.
“He also initiated and led the group’s environmental sustainability strategy, which positioned Netcare as a global leader in this area. We also recognize his inspirational leadership at the forefront of Netcare and the wider healthcare sector during the covid-19 pandemic. The board thanks him for a lifetime of service to Netcare, our patients and our country.”
Friedland said he was confident he was leaving Netcare in good hands.
“Melanie is an exceptional leader and a person of deep integrity. I have seen her grow from founding our health policy unit to one of the most respected voices in South African healthcare,” he said.
“She understands Netcare – our people, our purpose, our strategy and the contribution we make to the country. Netcare is more than a company; it is a community of more than 18,000 people who show up every day to care for others. I hand over the leadership of that community with pride and full confidence in Melanie’s ability to take it forward.”
