I had the extraordinary privilege of being selected to participate in the South American Business Forum (SABF) 2025, hosted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 1st to 3rd, 2025. My selection was based on academic excellence, a distinguished professional profile, and the research summary I submitted on “The Dilemma of Deception”. My work focused on how misinformation and technological advances intersect in the field of healthcare, exploring both their potential to improve patient outcomes and their risks when misapplied.
Being chosen from a global pool of applicants gave me immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility. I represented not only South Africa but also the voices of young African scholars committed to addressing global challenges. This opportunity affirmed my belief that research, when combined with leadership and action, can transform societies and positively shape the future of healthcare and sustainable development.
On the first day of the conference, the main focus was inspiration and learning. The 2025 theme, “Between Life and Oblivion”, explored the paradox at the heart of the digital era: technology accelerates everything, but risks erasing what makes us human.
Each subtopic connected directly to my research: from how digital culture erodes authenticity, to how misinformation spreads through health systems, and the ethical safeguards needed when deploying telemedicine and biometric tools.
The next day, we engaged in debate and dialogue. The debates were especially enriching. They forced us to adopt perspectives beyond our comfort zones and defend arguments against strong counterpoints. For me, this developed an ability to evaluate multiple dimensions of challenges and health-related issues, from ethical dilemmas in technology use to the economic sustainability of healthcare systems.
On the final day of the conference, we took the time to strengthen the bonds that we built during the conference.
I connected with Dr. Facundo Manes - founder of INECO , whose work in neuroscience and leadership inspired me to think about health policy with fresh perspective — someone backed by 250 scientific publications; Professor Diego Luzuriaga, whose expertise in entrepreneurship reminded me of the importance of innovation in healthcare; Maximo Saraví, who exemplified resilience and leadership; and Lucía Burman, whose tireless efforts made my participation possible.
What I Took Away
I gained deeper insights into the intersection of technology and public health. The discussions on the subtopic Dilemma of Deception provided frameworks to critically examine how misinformation spreads in healthcare, particularly during health crises like COVID-19. By linking these discussions with emerging technologies such as telemedicine, electronic prescribing, and biometric systems, I realised the importance of balancing innovation with ethical safeguards to protect patients and preserve trust.
Technology can expand access and save lives — but only when paired with transparency, accountability, and ethical oversight.
The overarching lesson was that knowledge alone is insufficient. As Dr. Stavros, my mentor throughout the process of getting to Buenos Aires, emphasised, “Knowledge is power, but action is more powerful.” I left SABF determined not only to continue researching but to translate knowledge into real world impact through advocacy, leadership, and policy implementation.
Looking ahead, I aim to grow into an industry leader while also supporting and mentoring others along the way. My career interests are broadly centred on healthcare, with a focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to stronger, more inclusive health systems. I’m particularly interested in approaches that promote equity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability in healthcare.
I also plan to stay connected to academia and evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that my work remains grounded in research while making a practical impact. Beyond South Africa, I would like to see Africa’s voice more strongly represented in global health conversations, and I intend to contribute to that broader dialogue.
Conclusion
The South American Business Forum 2025 has been a life-changing milestone in my journey. Representing South Africa and the African continent at large on such a prestigious platform has been both humbling and empowering. I hope you can experience this too.
