Thrive by WHX, opened today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The flagship wellness, sport and longevity summit of the World Health Expo hosted powerful voices from sport, science and wellness united under the theme of advancing human performance and longevity.
The event started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that set the tone for the summit with government, sports legends and scientific leaders coming together to ignite conversation and innovation. Minister Ricardo Mackenzie was joined on stage by rugby greats Bryan Habana, Steven Kitshoff, Juandré Kruger, professional South African boxer, Kevin Lerena, Founder and CEO of InUversal Group, Dr Kamlen Pillay and Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets, signalling a new chapter in South Africa’s role as a driver of global sports science and wellness.
“Longevity is not just about sport or health. It’s about imagination, arts, culture, community and looking after the whole human being. People who think outside the box, seek solutions and care for themselves holistically live not just longer, but fuller lives. To achieve this future, we must make bold choices now, investing in proactive health,” said Minister Ricardo Mackenzie.
Echoing this statement, former South African rugby legend and Thrive by WHX ambassador, Bryan Habana, said: “For me, to truly thrive means growing, flourishing and living full-out – across every dimension of life. Thrive by WHX in Cape Town is a phenomenal opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge and discover your true potential to thrive.”
The keynote address opened with Dr Kamlen Pillay, Founder and CEO of InUversal Group, who highlighted the urgent shift from focusing solely on lifespan to embracing health span and ultimately Thrive Span – a holistic approach to human flourishing. The address emphasised the value of living not just longer, but fully, with vitality, purpose and interconnected well-being, while positioning Africa as a frontier for wellness innovation and a driver of the future of global health. “Africa is not defined by its challenges, but by its potential to lead the global conversation on sustainable well-being,” said Dr Pillay.
The World Longevity Summit on day one explored science, technology and innovation and the role they play in extending both lifespan and healthspan. Sessions included Dr Ash Kapoor on the future of longevity, Dr Duncan Carmichael on autophagy, Dr Kamlen Pillay on stem cells, and Prof Veron Ramsuran on genetics. Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart Bieber emphasised the role of creativity, culture and community in longevity, while Dr Kathleen Green focused on the importance of prevention. And Steve Uria, creator and founder of SWITCH Playground spoke on the topic of smart care and how to integrate functional medicine into conventional systems.
“We’ve bought added years, but have we truly bought life? Longevity must begin at the root of the problem, not just at its expression – with inflammation at the core of more than 126,000 disease processes. True health is not found in abundance or conventional measures alone, but in living with independence, purpose and fulfilment. Our cells are built for nature, and by returning to that foundation we can move from simply surviving to truly thriving,” said Dr Ash Kapoor, Founder at Levitas One, London.
The Thrive by WHX show floor came alive on day one with technology demonstrations and new methodologies shaping the future of sports science and wellness. Equipment partners introduced next-generation wearables designed to track performance, recovery and mental readiness in real time, while diagnostics companies highlighted how genomic and biomarker testing is being integrated into athlete training and everyday wellness. Methodologies such as peptide therapy, IV optimisation and neuro-aesthetics were showcased in workshops, illustrating how once-elite interventions are becoming increasingly accessible. Technology providers also unveiled AI-driven coaching platforms that adapt to individual physiology, giving both athletes and wellness enthusiasts tailored, data-led pathways to performance.
Key sponsor Bluewater, in line Thrive by WHX’s commitment to reducing event waste, kept the event free of plastic bottle waste by supplying the purest, healthiest water through its advanced hydration stations.
Day one welcomed more than 1,000 delegates to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with participants ranging from elite athletes and trainers to sports scientists, dieticians, physiotherapists and corporate wellness leaders. The audience reflected Thrive’s inclusive reach, with youth representatives, medical professionals, industry partners and wellness advocates engaging in sessions across multiple tracks.
In addition to South African delegates, the event drew strong representation from across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, underscoring Cape Town’s growing role as a hub for global sports science and wellness. The exhibition floor hosted more than 50 partners and brands, giving attendees direct access to the latest in performance technology and wellness innovation.
Day two and three of Thrive by WHX will continue to build momentum with a strong focus on the intersection of AI, neuroscience and leadership. Highlights include sessions on brain ageing and neuroplasticity, personalised fitness, and biopsychosocial models of health, alongside panel discussions on integrating functional medicine into mainstream care. The evening will close with a headline cultural moment, an exclusive live performance by South African music icon Lira, blending inspiration, rhythm and connection into the Thrive experience.
The Youth Wellness & High-Performance Pathways Conference on day two, moderated by Bryan Habana and Dr Phathokuhle Zondi, will focus on athlete wellbeing and the systems shaping Africa’s next generation of sports stars. F3 driver Mika Abrahams and his mother Denise Abrahams, will share their personal journeys, while experts tackle burnout prevention, nutrition, safe spaces and recovery strategies.
The Sports Wellness & Optimisation Conference on day three will place holistic performance at the centre. Dr Linia Patel will address nutrition across the female lifespan, Dr Nicola Freitas will debate training adaptations for the menstrual cycle, and expert panels will unpack recovery strategies and safe practices for athletes.
HYROX, strategic partner to Thrive by WHX, showcased a dedicated activation area at the event, where they held the HYROX x Thrive Challenge presented by F45. The Challenge invites participants to compete in a series of exercises – 500m SkiErg, 500m Row, and 50 Bodyweight Lunges – for the chance to win an exclusive prize package. Rewards include a race entry to HYROX New York City with return flights from South Africa, three nights’ accommodation, and a HYROX Open entry. The activation will continue for the duration of the event.
In the words of supporting partner of Thrive by WHX, Jean-Pierre Steyl, founder of HIIT Fitness: “Thrive by WHX proves that collaboration and innovation create real change – bringing our strengths together to reach more people, make fitness accessible and shape the future of health.”
To find out more and register for Thrive by WHX, visit: https://www.worldhealthexpo.com/events/thrive/capetown/en/home.html