“Dr TikTok” vs Clinical Care: South African Healthcare Leaders Gather in Cape Town to Address Crisis of Trust in Medicine

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — From viral TikTok health trends to rampant online misinformation, healthcare professionals across South Africa are facing an unprecedented breakdown in patient trust. As online self-diagnosis increasingly replaces medical advice, frontline clinicians are forced to navigate public skepticism while making split-second, high-stakes decisions.

To tackle this growing challenge, South African healthcare and risk leaders will assemble in Cape Town on 6 and 7 November 2026 at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for the Risky Business Conference 2026. While part of an acclaimed international conference series previously hosted in cities such as London, Boston, and Toronto, this local edition brings South African clinical leaders together under the theme “Trust in an Age of Uncertainty”.

Keynote speakers include Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi (President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council)and Prof. Lucille Blumberg (renowned infectious disease expert). Hosted by the clinical team at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the conference also bridges medicine with high-risk operational environments.Featured non-medical speakers include Peter Jackson, a helicopter pilot flying Huey and Black Hawk aircraft while overseeing fleet maintenance for Leading Edge Aviation, and Dr. Cleeve Robertson, emergency physician, former Director of Western Cape Emergency Medical Services, and former CEO of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Registration closes strictly on 28 October 2026. Attending healthcare professionals earn up to 12 HPCSA CPD points (including 6 Ethics points).

Event Dates: 6–7 November 2026

Venue: Royal Cape Yacht Club, Table Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Registration Deadline: 28 October 2026

Website & Registration: www.riskybusiness.co.za

About Risky Business Conference:

The Risky Business Conference is an international multidisciplinary conference dedicated to advancing patient safety, leadership, governance and organisational resilience through cross-disciplinary learning.

With roots in London and conferences held internationally, Risky Business brings together healthcare professionals and leaders from high-consequence professions to explore practical approaches to communication, teamwork, decision-making and organisational performance.

The 2026 South African conference takes place on 6 and 7 November 2026 at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, under the theme “Trust in an Age of Uncertainty.”