As South Africa’s palliative care sector evolves, the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) welcomes new CEO Motlalentoa Motsoane, whose leadership arrives at a time of renewed purpose, regional collaboration, and deepened commitment to quality care.
Motsoane stepped into the role in September 2025, joining outgoing interim CEO Tersia Burger and Accreditation Manager Warren Oxford-Huggett on a multi-site visit to Pretoria-based hospices. The visit marked more than a leadership handover, it was a signal of the APCC’s values in action: mentorship, cross-site collaboration, and member-led quality improvement.
“We’re not just building systems. We’re building trust,” Motsoane shared. “Every conversation with a hospice team reminds me that collaboration is our compass. It’s how we navigate complexity, honour lived experience and move the sector forward.”
From hospital turnarounds to palliative care
Motsoane’s journey spans mining hospitals, multidisciplinary facilities, and medical schemes, each shaping his leadership philosophy. “Most of my turnaround strategies were built on people and selling my vision so teams could own it,” he reflects. “I made mistakes too, micromanagement, disconnection, but when the balance was restored, Bob was the uncle.”
His strategic lens blends clinical excellence with financial stewardship. “APCC members depend on donations, grants, and reimbursement models. With international donors scaling back, we need new approaches that balance innovation, accountability, and sustainability.”
Reframing palliative care
Motsoane is clear-eyed about the misconceptions surrounding palliative care. “It’s often seen as ‘end-of-life’ care, not a supported journey from diagnosis. We must advocate for respite care, not just for patients, but for caregivers and healthcare workers too.”
He envisions the APCC as a champion of holistic, culturally attuned care. “Quality means meeting people in their safe spaces, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We must be acknowledged for setting the standards others aspire to.”
Equity, transformation, and partnerships
Motsoane’s commitment to transformation is rooted in lived experience. “I’ve attracted doctors from racial groups deemed ‘unavailable’ for certain hospitals. Transformation must never be equated with mediocrity.”
He sees APCC’s data as a powerful tool for policy influence and calls for deeper partnerships with academic institutions, provincial health departments, and the private sector. “Mobile outreach units can promote access in rural areas and double as training hubs. Local is lekker.”
Staff morale and mission-driven culture
“Staff engagement is the heartbeat of any organisation,” Motsoane says. “Healthcare workers are emotionally invested. Leaders must be visible, connected, and celebratory, recognising every achievement, big or small.”
He hopes to enhance the APCC’s training subsidies and reintroduce research studies to energise teams. “When we care for our teams, they care for patients with renewed compassion. That’s the culture I wish us to embrace.”
Looking ahead
Motsoane’s personal grounding; faith, family, and South African holidays, fuels his vision. “This chapter is an opportunity to shape systems that honour dignity. Training and education are my passion. Palliative care deserves the spotlight.”
Under his leadership, the APCC is poised to deepen its impact; amplifying member voices, strengthening standards, and championing universal access to compassionate care.
Leave a Reply