Annette Botha
Annette’s professional journey began in South Africa, where she worked as a biokineticist — helping people improve their health through movement. From care homes to community centres, Annette has led rehabilitation programmes for individuals with neurological and orthopaedic conditions, older adults, and people with intellectual disabilities. Annette’s work is rooted in a holistic, biopsychosocial view of health, and a belief that movement can transform lives — not just physically, but emotionally and socially.
Alongside clinical practice, Annette pursued research through a Master’s degree, developing a self-help breathing tool to support people with epilepsy in managing anxiety. That experience deepened her commitment to accessible, person-centred approaches to wellbeing.
Annette’s PhD focuses on scaling and increasing the magnitude of the impact of social innovation for active ageing through data.
Achievements
- Obtained an MSc degree cum laude
- Presented research at the 28th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science in Paris.
- Completed the 5-day Otter Hiking Trail
- Bungee jumped off the highest bridge in the world
- Completed the Cape Argus Cycle tour
In my own words…
When communities help shape the tools designed to serve them, policies and services become more relevant, practical, and empowering.