A Legacy of Leadership: Hedley Lewis at the Helm of CHOC

 

Leadership in the non-profit sector demands more than strategy; it requires vision, compassion, and resilience. Few embody this balance as powerfully as Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

With decades of experience in humanitarian and social impact organisations, Lewis has redefined leadership as service to people, purpose, and progress. His journey—from the Vodacom Foundation to global NGO collaborations—has equipped him with the skills to lead CHOC with empathy and strategy, ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.

Purpose-Driven Leadership

Lewis’s leadership philosophy is shaped by the spirit of Sawubona, the Zulu greeting meaning “I see you”. For him, leadership is not about authority but about creating environments where individuals feel acknowledged and valued. He champions openness, active listening, and shared goals, reminding his team that “true success is built on trust, respect, and continuous learning.”

His commitment to CHOC stems from a deeply personal desire to apply his expertise to a cause with lasting impact. Supporting children and teenagers with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders, CHOC provides not only medical support but also practical and emotional assistance to families navigating the toughest of journeys.

Building Impact Through Collaboration

Under Lewis’s guidance, CHOC has strengthened its national footprint with more than 90 staff across South Africa, working alongside hospitals, schools, and community leaders. The foundation’s grassroots approach ensures that awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and patient support services remain accessible and relevant.

Strategic partnerships are at the heart of CHOC’s mission. Collaborations with the Department of Health, SAAPHO, international organisations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Childhood Cancer International, and the WHO have amplified CHOC’s reach and impact. Corporate and community partnerships add further momentum, with initiatives such as The Cows driving spirited fundraising efforts.

“We cannot achieve our mission alone,” Lewis emphasizes. “Our strength lies in collaboration—governmental, corporate, medical, and grassroots.”

Stories of Courage and Hope

For Lewis, CHOC’s work is best defined by the lives it transforms. Among the many stories, he highlights Xichavo, a young osteosarcoma survivor who, after losing his mother and becoming head of a child-led household, found a home and support through CHOC. Today, Xichavo dreams of becoming a chartered accountant—a testament to resilience, care, and community.

“His story,” Lewis says, “is proof of what’s possible when care, dignity, and community are at the centre.”

Resilience in Challenging Times

The non-profit sector is not without challenges. Funding competition, economic pressures, and the need to reach rural communities demand constant innovation. Lewis has responded with a focus on strategic fundraising, expanding transport and accommodation services, and leveraging digital platforms to raise awareness and connect with supporters.

“Technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic enabler,” he notes, pointing to CHOC’s digital campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok that spread vital knowledge such as the Siluan Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Lewis envisions a South Africa where no child suffers in silence and where comprehensive care is accessible nationwide. His leadership aligns with the global goal of improving childhood cancer survival rates to 60% by 2030, a target set by the WHO.

At CHOC, his compass remains clear—compassion, integrity, resilience, and collaboration. “It’s a privilege to walk this journey alongside my team, the medical fraternity, and the families we serve,” he reflects.

Lewis’s legacy is one of hope and equity, grounded in purpose but driven by a bold vision for the future. As he leads CHOC forward, his impact continues to resonate far beyond organisational walls—into communities, families, and generations to come.