At just 22, Jonty Wright is already reshaping how South Africa thinks about healthcare, organ donation and the role of technology in saving lives. A fifth-year medical student at Stellenbosch University, Jonty has combined medicine, systems change and digital innovation. He is the founder and president of Save7, a nonprofit working to increase organ donation in South Africa, where thousands die each year waiting for life-saving trans- plants. The organisation’s name reflects a powerful truth: one organ donor can save up to seven lives. Under Jonty’s leadership, Save7 has launched awareness campaigns, built artificial intelligence-powered education chatbots and, most recently, opened South Africa’s first lifepod — a dedicated ICU space for organ donors at Tygerberg Hospital. This milestone followed years of advocacy and over R1 million raised to expand the initiative nationally. Jonty is also a co-founder of HALO Medical, a healthcare startup using AI to reduce admin burdens for healthcare workers in low-resource settings. His work reflects a core belief that technology can help scale impact, reduce inequalities, and improve access to care across Africa.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Stellenbosch University (*fifth year)
Founded Save7, a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing organ donation in South Africa. In 2024, the organisation launched the first Lifepod—a dedicated ICU space for organ donors at Tygerberg Hospital, following years of advocacy and collaboration. More than R1 million was raised to support the national expansion of this model. The initiative has combined public engagement strategies such as awareness chatbots, partnerships with transplant teams, and endurance fundraising events like the Ironman 70.3. This work reflects the impact of purpose-driven teamwork, strategic storytelling and sustained commitment to systems change.
I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by mentors who’ve shaped both my character and my calling. Dr Vuyane Mhlomi has been a huge inspiration — showing me what it means to push boundaries with excellence and purpose. Professor Elmin Steyn has been a constant advisor and maternal figure, guiding me through the clinical and impact spaces with wisdom and grace. Paul Kim has taught me that leading well means thinking clearly, working humbly and getting your hands dirty to build something that lasts. And Dr Juandre Klopper has always believed in us — encouraging us to go further and helping carve the path ahead. There are many more I could mention, but these are some of the people whose belief and example have left a deep mark on me.