The South African Institute for Advancement (SAIA) held its Second Annual Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards at a gala event in Cape Town on Wednesday 5th November 2008.

The Inyathelo Award for Lifetime Philanthropy was awarded to Pretoria-born Professor Rashid Bhika Of the Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb.  Prof. Bhika was the founder and CEO of  BeTabs, the largest independent pharmaceutical company in South Africa. The Ibn Institute of Tibb is a non profit organisation and founded by the Bhika Family Trust.

His major commitment is to supporting and providing  affordable healthcare in South Africa. His particular expertise is in the alternative approaches to primary healthcare. He has established clinics in Langa and Manenburg in the Western Cape. These clinics also provide practical training for the University of the Western Cape’s UNANI-TIBB students. In July of 2008 he launched a R1 million  community clinic at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Abused Women and Children.

Awards were presented to 8 remarkable South Africans for their contribution  towards building South Africa’s young democracy and to ensure sustainable social development. The SAIA is supported by  Standard Bank and its patrons include Dr. Mamphela Ramphele and Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa. Mr. Raymond Ackerman of Pick n Pay was the first recipient of this Award. 

The Media Review Network congratulates and salutes Professor Bhika on his fine achievement.