A huge step towards integrating spiritual care into the South African public healthcare system has been made possible through a significant grant awarded to HospiVision by the John Templeton Foundation. The funding will support several initiatives, such as launching the first qualification programme for hospital chaplains; funding research studies in Spirituality/Religion and Health/Healthcare to validate the role of hospital chaplaincy in patient care; hosting international conferences on Religion and Spirituality in Healthcare; and training academic scholars on how to do research in spirituality and health.
This initiative is a milestone for the South African healthcare landscape, where hospital chaplaincy is not yet formally recognized as a professional discipline. While spiritual support is acknowledged as essential for holistic healing, there has been no standardized training or accreditation for hospital chaplains in South Africa. Despite its growing relevance, research on this topic is still scarce in the South African healthcare context.
A Vision for Holistic and Human-Centred Healthcare
“This grant allows us to make history,” said Dr Annemarie Oberholzer, CEO of HospiVision. “We are laying the foundation for a new interdisciplinary field in healthcare — one that recognizes the importance of spirituality, compassion, and emotional support alongside medical treatment.”
The initiative supports a growing global movement toward patient-centred care that embraces the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. It also aligns with international research that demonstrates the positive influence of spiritual care on patient outcomes.
Oberholzer pointed out that, “while public healthcare in South Africa faces significant challenges and often attracts criticism, we choose to focus on being part of the solution. With this first-of-its-kind initiative, we can make a big difference in the South African healthcare system”
Opportunities
Research Funding
Once-off funding of up to R200,000 per study is available to postgraduate students and established scholars and academics from any related discipline at USAf-endorsed tertiary institution in South Africa. The funding supports research in the field of Spirituality/Religion and Health/Healthcare, contributing to a growing body of knowledge that is both locally relevant and internationally significant.
International Conference
The first international conference on Spirituality and Health in Healthcare will be held from 14 to 17 October 2025 at Future Africa, University of Pretoria. The conference is open to all individuals working in, researching, or interested in the intersection of religion, spirituality, and healthcare. The programme includes keynote addresses, paper presentations, panel discussions, and a dedicated research workshop.
Hospital Chaplaincy Training
A SAQA-accredited training course for hospital chaplains will be launched in 2026. This groundbreaking initiative will offer formal training for individuals providing spiritual care in clinical settings — marking the first step toward professional recognition of hospital chaplaincy in South Africa.
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All opportunities were made possible through the support of Grant 63219 from the John Templeton Foundation |
My name is Rev Wilson price . I am a retiree ordained minister . Am am so very glad to hear . I am very must interested to study for a hospital Chaplin. Please keep me posted
I serve as a chaplain,
I have recently accepted an invitation to join the IDS Team as the chaplain for hospice care.
I aim to enhance my understanding in this particular field.
Where can I locate an institution that can help me with a course, particularly in this area?
Hospital chaplaincy will help a lot:
Hospital chaplaincy plays a crucial role in providing spiritual and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff. The presence of a chaplain in a healthcare setting can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace during times of illness, crisis, and loss.
One of the primary reasons why hospital chaplaincy is important is that it addresses the holistic needs of patients. While medical treatment focuses on the physical aspects of illness, chaplaincy provides care for the spiritual and emotional well-being of individuals. This can be especially beneficial for patients facing serious or terminal conditions, as chaplains can offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, and prayers for healing and comfort.
In addition to supporting patients, hospital chaplains also play a vital role in supporting families during difficult times. They can help loved ones navigate the emotional challenges of having a family member in the hospital, provide guidance on making difficult decisions, and offer support in coping with grief and loss. Chaplains can also facilitate communication between patients, families, and medical staff, helping to ensure that everyone’s needs and concerns are addressed.
Furthermore, hospital chaplaincy is important for the well-being of hospital staff. Working in a healthcare setting can be emotionally draining, and chaplains can provide a source of support and encouragement for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Chaplains can offer a listening ear, provide spiritual guidance, and help staff members process their own emotions and experiences in caring for patients.
Overall, hospital chaplaincy is an essential component of holistic healthcare. By addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, families, and hospital staff, chaplains play a crucial role in promoting healing, comfort, and well-being in healthcare settings. Their presence provides a sense of hope, peace, and support during times of illness, crisis, and loss, making a significant impact on the overall quality of care provided in hospitals.
What an amazing opportunity. I have worked in trauma centre and as a pastoral counselor for several years. Hospital chaplaincy is definitely something needed in South Africa. I would love to find out more about the training. Think it’s much needed