GEORGE NEWS - George general practitioner and cyclist Dr Jacques van Staden has been named one of five finalists in the Multi-Talented Health Care Professional of the Year category of the 2026 African Health Excellence Awards.
The finalists were announced on 29 August, with 70 finalists selected across 14 categories from 1 897 nominations received from across the African continent. Public voting is now open.
Van Staden's nomination recognises his work as a medical practitioner, community advocate, philanthropist and cyclist, and his career is characterised by a commitment to improving the lives of others.
His medical practice in George has received recognition as a centre of excellence for several consecutive years, while his commitment to public health and the local community earned him the George Herald Citizen of the Year Award in 2016.
In 2009, Van Staden founded Cycle for Diabetes, a non-profit initiative aimed at raising awareness about type 1 diabetes, screening communities and helping provide life-saving, long-acting insulin analogues to underprivileged children.
He has undertaken demanding endurance cycling challenges to support the initiative, including cycling more than 1 200km from Johannesburg to George within 48 to 72 hours. These efforts have raised hundreds of thousands of rands over the years to help vulnerable families manage type 1 diabetes.
Cycling achievements
Van Staden has built an impressive competitive cycling record at both national and international levels. His achievements include 11 South African track titles, winning the mixed category at the Cape Pioneer in 2025, and numerous victories in South Western Districts (SWD) road races.
In 2026, he added an international gold medal at the World Masters Games in Abu Dhabi to his list of achievements.
Dr Jacques van Staden with his gold medal on the podium in Abu Dhabi.
He also uses his experience to mentor and support junior cyclists in the Southern Cape.
The African Health Excellence Awards recognise healthcare professionals who make a contribution beyond conventional healthcare delivery.
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