Supporting a healthier South Africa

Discovery's core purpose is to make people healthier and enhance and protect their lives. Our goal is to use strategic sponsorships to help 100 million people become 20% more active by 2025.

Through strong partnerships and our involvement in a variety of initiatives in local communities and abroad, we're supporting health and wellness in South Africa and across the world. Learn more about the exciting events we sponsor, partners who share our vision, and our exceptional Discovery Vitality Ambassadors below.

Please note: Event images were taken prior to the COVID-19 national lockdown.

Chad le Clos

Chad le Clos is South Africa's most decorated Olympian of all time, having risen to international acclaim by defeating Michael Phelps in the 200 m butterfly at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Chad is an Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games champion, as well as the Commonwealth record holder in the 50 m and 100 m butterfly. Generous, optimistic and hardworking, Chad's dedication to health and wellness, coupled with his ability to inspire leagues of young South Africans, made us proud to welcome the #DiscoveryChamp in 2015 as the very first Discovery Vitality Ambassador.

Tatjana Schoenmaker

The stunned delight on Tatjana Schoenmaker's face when she realised she had shattered the 200 m breaststroke world record at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, warmed the hearts of viewers across the world. After missing out on qualifying for the 2016 Olympics by one-hundredth of a second, Tatjana bounced back to win a gold and a silver medal in 2020. Down-to-earth and warm-hearted, Tatjana has shown resilience, single-mindedness and perseverance in achieving her goals in life. This makes her an ideal role model to young South Africans. It is a pleasure to have the #DiscoveryWaveMaker join as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador in 2021.

Makazole Mapimpi

Rugby sensation Makazole Mapimpi made history as the first South African to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final. His brilliant try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan cemented the victory and their third World Cup title. Makazole is a talented and humble player who has faced more than his share of personal tragedy and challenges. Haven risen to the top of world rugby, he is an inspiring South African who, together with Lukhanyo Am, has taken an active stand against gender-based violence. In 2021, we are proud to welcome #MapimpiPower as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador.

Lukhanyo Am

As one of South Africa's Rugby World Cup heroes, rugby centre Lukhanyo Am delivered a standout performance in the 2019 final, delivering the pass that led to Makazole's 66^th minute history-making try. From humble beginnings in East London, his incredible talent has pushed him to the top of world rugby. As an inspiration to everyone around him, Lukhanyo combines raw talent, professional commitment and strong personal values. Together with Makazole, he has spoken out against gender-based violence in South Africa. We are proud to welcome #LegendLukhanyo as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador in 2021.

Wayde van Niekerk

Wayde van Niekerk raced into our hearts with his performance in the 400 m final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, breaking the 17-year-old record held by Michael Johnson. He became the first athlete to produce sub-10, sub-20 and sub-44 performances in the 100 m, 200 m and 400 m respectively. Wayde is the current world and Olympic record holder in the 400 m and holds the world-best time in the 300 m. A talented, faithful and humble role model, Wayde embodies ambition and potential for people of all backgrounds. This #DiscoveryDreamer joined the team as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador in 2017.

Lucas Radebe

Legendary Bafana Bafana and Leeds United skipper Lucas Radebe was one of the first African players ever to make a mark on Premier League Football. A national treasure and one of the country's most beloved sports figures, he led South Africa to two FIFA World Cups in 1998 and 2002. Passionate about growing soccer and encouraging physical activity, especially among South Africa's youth, Lucas is also renowned for his significant philanthropic work. The #DiscoveryChief joined the team as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador in 2019 and his courage, warmth and immense energy continues to inspire thousands to lead more active lives.

Kgothatso Montjane

Tennis Paralympian Kgothatso 'KG' Montjane has achieved greatness as the first black South African woman ever to compete at Wimbledon, and the first African wheelchair tennis player to compete in all four grand slams in the same year. Her determination, both on and off the court, gives hope to people of different abilities, backgrounds and fitness levels - inspiring us all to be as active as we can. KG is currently ranked first in her field in Africa, and fifth in the world. We proudly named the #DiscoveryAce as a Discovery Vitality Ambassador in 2021.

Soccer

Discovery Schools Soccer

Launched in 2009, the Discovery Johannesburg Primary Schools Soccer Programme is a powerful platform that encourages community upliftment and healthier living from an early age. It consists of a series of soccer tournaments for primary schools in Johannesburg, including the Discovery Festival, the Discovery Knock-Out Cup and the Alexandra Discovery School's League. The programme has been extended to high schools in order to support and inspire players aged 14 to 19. Over 1 000 players participate in the much-anticipated high school tournament.

Discovery Soccer Park

Launched in 2010, Discovery Soccer Park comprises of two state-of-the-art facilities that promote local soccer and encourage active play. Situated in Illovo and in Sandton, and cited as the largest 5-a-side centres in South Africa, each pitch is fitted with FIFA-approved synthetic grass. In line with Discovery's goal to make active lifestyles more accessible, the facilities are open to the public seven days a week, and offer individual and group youth coaching sessions. The venues have been visited by soccer icons like Discovery Vitality Ambassador Lucas Radebe, Neil Tovey, Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira, André Arendse and Zinedine Zidane.

Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge

Launched in 2002, Discovery and the family of Walter Sisulu host the annual Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge at the Nike Training Centre in Soweto. The tournament, which promotes active lifestyles by giving young soccer stars a platform to perform, has delivered professional players like Kaizer Chiefs striker Siphiwe Tshabalala, Free State Stars and Bafana Bafana striker Edward Mngele and Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder, Thulani Serero. The tournament also develops local soccer and brings communities together in a way that encourages everyone to take part in sport to lead a healthier life.

Running and Cycling

Vitality Cycle Series

The Vitality Cycle Series is a set of races that encourage riders of all ages and fitness levels to move more for better health. The road and mountain bike races vary in distance and are virtual events, so that anyone, anywhere, can take part. Vitality members can earn hundreds of Vitality points by linking a Vitality-approved heart rate fitness device or smartphone to the Discovery app, as well as stand a chance to win amazing prizes. The series aims to motivate cyclists to gain the health benefits of physical activity while enjoying the comradery and support of South Africa's vibrant cycling community.

Vitality Run Series

The Vitality Run Series is a hugely popular set of races that encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to run, jog or walk more for better health. The series consists of up to four races of varying distances set in scenic venues around South Africa. Vitality members can earn hundreds of Vitality points and amazing prizes by participating, plus the series is open to the public in a bid to encourage physical activity in the general population. The Vitality Run Series is also available in virtual format so anyone, anywhere, can participate for free.

parkrun

parkrun is a non-profit organisation that gives local communities the opportunity to take part in free, weekly, timed 5 km runs or walks. As the sponsor of parkrun, Discovery Vitality brings parkrun to hundreds of venues across South Africa. In keeping with the global trend towards getting active outdoors, every parkrun takes place in pleasant parkland and outdoor surrounds, whether it's at a park, along a beach front, or through a beautiful reserve. Anyone of any ability and any fitness level is welcome at the events. Vitality members can earn 300 fitness points for completing a parkrun.

Team Vitality

Team Vitality is South Africa's biggest, most popular running and cycling club. Membership is annual and comes with exclusive benefits like an exciting starter pack with premium gear, 25% back on selected race entry fees, preferential start times and VIP hospitality at events. Members get expert tips and advice in the fields of health and wellness, and team support at major sporting events like the Comrades and Cape Town Cycle Tour. Discovery also sponsors Junior Team Vitality for teens aged 16 to 18 so youths can start enjoying club benefits sooner.

Discovery Leadership Summit

The Discovery Leadership Summit brings together some of the world's most brilliant thinkers to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. By hosting this premier event, Discovery aims to share informative, relevant intellectual capital and spark the conversations needed to improve global systems, societies and communities. We believe that by sharing knowledge and insights, we can support Africa's potential and help build a stronger future for humankind. Past speakers include President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Dan Ariely, Malcolm Gladwell, Howard Schultz, Lord Sebastian Coe, Al Gore, David Beckham, Former British Prime Minister David Cameron and Richard Branson.

VitalityatHome

VitalityAtHome is a free online health and wellness platform that encourages people to be active, eat healthily and take care of their mental wellbeing at home. Visitors to the website can follow regular high-intensity workouts, yoga sessions and surprise fitness challenges, watch HealthyFood Studio cooking classes and learn from demos by celebrity chefs, plus access valuable advice and tools on mental wellbeing. Visitors can also find expert tips and fun ideas on how to engage the whole family in a healthier, more balanced lifestyle and learn more about the reward perks for Vitality members.

Discovery Vitality HealthyFood Studio

Fresh, seasonal ingredients, real nutrition and sustainable eating all come together at the Discovery Vitality HealthyFood Studio, a teaching kitchen launched in partnership with Woolworths. Our state-of-the-art facility is based in Sandton, but classes are accessible anywhere with a Vitality HealthyFood Studio live chef. This interactive cooking experience enables a live video-call with a professional master chef, so individuals and groups can cook and connect together from the comfort of their own kitchens. All classes are open to the public and aim to ignite a lifelong love of healthy, appetising cooking.

Discovery Stores

Discovery Stores are one-stop-shops that offer an all-round experience of everything Discovery. Clients can freely access self-service tools and ask consultants for one-on-one help with activating their benefits, explaining how to use them and understanding their value. All stores offer Vitality Wellness Assessments, and are currently located in Sandton, Menlyn, Sea Point, Century City and Umhlanga.

How to apply

Read our Sponsorship criteria.

If you feel that your proposal meets this criteria, apply below.

Create a user account to submit your proposal.

Fill out your application in full

Submit your application for assessment.

Check whether your initiative aligns to our strategy and core purpose on a South African and global level.

Discovery aims to create experiences that embody our brand and core purpose.
Through sponsorships, we want to inspire peak performance, get people active and showcase thought leadership.

While we would love to sponsor every great initiative we hear of, this simply isn't possible.
Instead, we measure sponsorship opportunities against strategic criteria, and support ones that can tangibly elevate our brand; gain national and global reach; are synonymous with Discovery's scale; and that measurably encourage people to live well, drive well and bank well.

Before you apply, measure your initiative against the following:

Sports-related event

Does your event foster mass participation? The event must be proven to reach thousands of individuals across a broad demographic.
Does your event encourage communities to lead healthier lives?
Does your event generate significant regional or national media coverage?

Sports team or individual

Have you performed at the highest level of your sport, as evidenced through national and international awards (such as being an Olympic medallist or world-record holder) or have you competed in the most prestigious events in your specialty (such as the Tour de France)?
Are you well-known in your own right, with an established brand presence both nationally and internationally?
Do you embody the Discovery values of health and wellness?
Are you an inspiration to individuals from across a demographic spectrum and so able to encourage them to live healthier lives?
Are you a role model for our youth?

Lifestyle

For consideration, you must prove that your initiative has national or global reach; aligns to Discovery's core purpose and priorities; and embodies our values and standards.

If your proposal aligns, it will be sent to the team for further review. If not, you will receive an automated response to inform you that your application has been unsucessful.

If you can motivate that your initiative meets the above criteria, you are welcome to apply for a sponsorship.

Is your initiative unrelated to sports, fitness or lifetyle? Try one of the following:

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) - we contribute through the Discovery Fund

We support CSI initiatives through the Discovery Foundation, the Discovery Fund, and strong systems of governance and accountability. Our focus lies in health and healthcare initiatives that directly align with national and global imperatives for 2030. Our sustainability strategy highlights four focus areas: Healthy Products and Services, Healthy Workforces, Healthy Communities and Healthy Organisation. Please email us on DiscoveryFund@tshikululu.org.za for more information.

Bursaries - we support through the Discovery Foundation

Through the Discovery Foundation, a CSI-initiative set up in 2006, we support the education and training of healthcare specialists who can help address South Africa's critical shortage of healthcare resources. Unfortunately, we do not supply bursaries on an individual basis outside of the Discovery Foundation. You can read more about the Discovery Foundation on our website.

Careers at Discovery

If you would like to join the Discovery team, you can apply for a vacancy or learn more about careers at Discovery here.

Vitality points

For any queries on Vitality points, please visit our website.