FPD Awards


2025 Community Engagement Award

FPD is honoured to receive the 2025 Community Engagement Award from South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) in recognition of our impactful work in mental health.

The SAPHE Excellence Awards 2025 celebrate outstanding achievement across Teaching & Learning, Research & Innovation, and Community Engagement — recognising institutions that make a meaningful and lasting contribution to education and society.

This award affirms FPD’s unwavering commitment to advancing mental health access, awareness, and innovation. Through collaboration, evidence-based training, and community-focused partnerships, we continue to strengthen public health systems and empower professionals to make a difference where it matters most.

At FPD, we believe that education is a powerful catalyst for change. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams, partners, and communities who work together with compassion and purpose to expand mental health support across South Africa.

Read more on our work

3rd Best Private Higher Education Institution in South Africa – 2021

In 2021, the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) was proudly recognised as the 3rd Best Private Higher Education Institution in South Africa by the World Scholarship Forum.

This recognition highlights FPD’s commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant education that meets the evolving needs of professionals and industries. With a strong focus on health sciences and business education, FPD offers accredited qualifications and short courses designed to strengthen practical skills, leadership capacity, and workplace impact.

Being ranked among the top private higher education institutions in the country affirms our dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and accessible learning opportunities that empower individuals and advance communities.

At FPD, we remain committed to shaping competent, confident professionals who make a meaningful difference in South Africa and beyond.


2021 Standard Bank Top Women Leaders Award

In 2021, the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) was honoured as a winner of the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Leaders Award, recognising FPD as one of South Africa’s leading gender-empowered organisations.

Presented as part of the Top Women Awards, this recognition celebrates organisations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing women in the economy.

At the time of the award, more than 65% of the 497,157 students trained by FPD were women, reflecting our strong commitment to transformation, access to education, and inclusive development. Women also played integral leadership roles within FPD’s Academic Cluster and training initiatives, reinforcing our belief that empowering women strengthens institutions, communities, and the broader health and business sectors.

A notable highlight during this period was the celebration of Yvonne Maphosa, recognised as a top female doctoral graduate within the FPD community — a testament to the academic excellence fostered within our institution.

This award affirms FPD’s continued dedication to creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive — driving sustainable impact across South Africa and beyond.

AfricomNet Annual Award for Excellence in HIV & AIDS Strategic Communication – 2011

In 2011 , FPD, in collaboration with Institute for Management and Social Advancement (IMSA), was honoured with the Best Mass Media Award at the AfricomNet Annual Awards for Excellence in HIV & AIDS Strategic Communication in Africa for the impactful campaign “First Thing First.”

The AfricomNet Awards recognise outstanding initiatives that use strategic communication to raise awareness, influence behaviour, and drive meaningful action in HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy across Africa.

This award highlights FPD’s commitment to public health education, innovative media engagement, and collaborative campaigns that reach communities with life-saving information. “First Thing First” demonstrated how thoughtful communication and partnerships can create real change, reinforcing FPD’s role as a leader in health promotion and social impact across the continent.

Education, communication, and impact – changing lives through awareness.

Dr. Clarence Mini VBC Industry Recognition Award

The Dr. Clarence Mini VBC Industry Recognition Award celebrates outstanding contributions to value-based care (VBC) in the healthcare sector. Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Clarence Mini — a respected medical leader whose work helped shape healthcare quality, access and integrated care in South Africa — this award recognises organisations that demonstrate innovation, leadership and measurable impact in advancing value-based care delivery.

This award is presented by PPO Serve to partners whose work exemplifies the principles of collaboration, patient-centred care and sustainable health outcomes. It honours efforts that transform traditional healthcare models by prioritising outcomes over volume, fostering multidisciplinary teamwork, and improving both quality and affordability of care for communities.

In 2025, this prestigious recognition was awarded to the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in acknowledgement of their exceptional contribution to strengthening health systems through education, capacity building and partnership in value-based care initiatives. FPD’s work with PPO Serve and broader stakeholders has helped expand value-based care models that empower clinicians and enhance patient outcomes across diverse South African communities.

The award highlights FPD’s leadership in technical excellence, systems strengthening, and collaborative innovation, affirming their role in advancing healthcare quality and sustainability in the region.