Crestcare to Transform St Mary’s Hospital Into a Key Healthcare Hub in the Eastern Cape

• Crestcare Hospital Group, under Summit Africa, acquired a 55% stake in Life St Mary’s Private Hospital in Mthatha, marking its first investment in the Eastern Cape and strengthening its national healthcare footprint.

• The acquisition will lead to a significant expansion of the hospital, adding 30 to 50 beds and introducing new specialities, including a catheterisation lab and enhanced radiology services, improving local access to advanced medical care.

• By being part of Crestcare’s network, the hospital will benefit from lower pricing, making healthcare more affordable for local patients.

• The expansion will create new job opportunities, contributing to the local economy

  • Every hospital bed creates 1.5 direct jobs within the local community

  • Every R1 million invested in a hospital, can generate an equal annual income for local SMMEs

18 March 2025: Mthatha, Eastern Cape – Crestcare Hospital Group is set to transform St Mary’s Hospital in Mthatha into a key healthcare hub in the Eastern Cape. The group, which acquired a 55% stake in the hospital from Life Healthcare Group in late 2024, plans to bring advanced medical care closer to local communities and strengthen the region's healthcare infrastructure.

Crestcare, a fast-growing private hospital group with facilities in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, aims to expand to 800 beds in the next two years, focusing on peri-urban, rural and township areas.

Kit Wostenholm, Chief Executive Officer at Crestcare commented:

“This first acquisition in the Eastern Cape holds transformative potential for both the hospital and the wider community. By investing in St Mary’s, we reaffirm our commitment to accessible, high-quality and affordable healthcare across South Africa. Our goal is to ensure people in Mthatha and surrounding areas have access to world-class care right at their doorstep.”

Crestcare’s portfolio includes 752 beds (work in progress) across its hospitals and clinics, including Crestcare Zoutpansberg in Limpopo, Crestcare Surgi Clinic in Mpumalanga, Apex Soweto Day Hospital in Soweto, Crestcare Malmesbury in the Western Cape and now St Mary’s in Mthatha. The group’s focus is on offering affordable healthcare and improving access to a wide range of services.

The acquisition of St Mary’s will add 30 to 50 new beds, introduce a catheterisation lab and enhance radiology services. These improvements will provide essential support for patients requiring heart and diagnostic care, addressing gaps in local healthcare provision.

“Crestcare St Mary’s will have a significant impact on healthcare accessibility in the region while supporting our broader vision to expand into underserved areas across South Africa,” said Wostenholm.

Summit Africa, an impact investment manager played a key role in facilitating Crestcare’s entry into the Eastern Cape. The company focuses on making investments in key sectors of the economy, where there is undersupply including tertiary education and skills, financial services, healthcare, ICT services and food security.

Ngange Nongogo, Private Equity Partner & Value Add Lead at Summit Africa said: “This acquisition aligns with our mission to strengthen healthcare in underserved regions. St Mary’s is a perfect fit for Crestcare’s strategic goals. The improvements to infrastructure, services and expertise will ensure high-quality care for Mthatha and beyond, without patients having to leave their community.”

Nongogo highlighted the long-term benefits for the community, adding that the hospital’s expansion will create new jobs for healthcare professionals and support staff. It will also ease the strain on nearby facilities, reduce wait times and improve patient experiences.

“Crestcare is now positioned to play a leading role in transforming healthcare in the Eastern Cape, setting an example of how strategic investments can bring healthcare closer to those in need,” he said.

The O.R. Tambo District Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Thandekile Sabisa commented:

“Today marks a significant milestone in the healthcare landscape of Mthatha as we officially welcome Crestcare to our community through the acquisition and relaunch of St Mary’s Hospital. This transition is more than just a change in management - it is a renewed commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality and patient-centred healthcare to the people of this region.

“Healthcare is the foundation of any thriving society. Without a strong, accessible and well-equipped healthcare system, communities struggle, economies weaken, and people suffer unnecessarily. As local government, we recognise the challenges facing our healthcare system, from overcrowded public hospitals to the scarcity of specialised medical services in rural areas. The introduction of Crestcare into our healthcare ecosystem provides a much-needed boost to the capacity and quality of services available to our residents.

“Crestcare has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and this new facility will not only enhance medical service delivery but also create employment opportunities, skills development for healthcare professionals and partnerships with public health institutions to strengthen healthcare across the region.

“We welcome this investment and are confident that Crestcare’s presence will complement our public health efforts while ensuring that no one in our community is left behind when it comes to healthcare services. Let today be a symbol of progress, partnership and a shared commitment to a healthier and more prosperous O.R. Tambo District Municipality.”