Background
In 2018, entrepreneurs Kwanele Ndlovu and Yolisa Makhalima identified a critical need for a specialised kidney health and dialysis treatment centre in Scottburgh, on the South Coast of South Africa. Driven by their vision to deliver quality kidney care, they established the Kidneywright Care Centre, successfully obtaining all required accreditations and launching operations.
Surviving COVID-19
Just as momentum was building, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Mounting landlord fees, reliance on expensive leased dialysis machines prone to breakdowns, and costly technician call-outs placed enormous strain on the practice.
Kwanele and Yolisa remained committed to their mission. As Kwanele explained:
"You may have some losses, but you must never lose the vision."
Despite these hardships, they persevered, determined to create an inviting, patient-friendly environment. But the obstacles were significant:
- Unreliable medical equipment
- High rental costs
- Expensive leased machinery
- Limited working capital
- Slow patient growth
The Turning Point
In late 2020, an opportunity arose to purchase their own premises, a step that boosted stability and opened the door to expanding patient capacity. However, reliance on rented dialysis machinery still strained the practice’s finances.
A breakthrough came when Kwanele received an email from Merchant Capital promoting flexible medical practice funding. Initially sceptical, the team applied — and within hours their application was approved. The next day, funds were deposited into their account.
Empowered by Merchant Capital’s Solution
Merchant Capital’s Medical Practice Finance product, offered in partnership with Discovery, gave Kidneywright Care Centre the flexibility to purchase their own dialysis and CRT machines outright.
This funding eliminated costly rental agreements, reduced operational downtime from breakdowns, and improved financial stability. With ownership of reliable equipment, Kwanele and Yolisa could focus on patient care and practice growth.
Results and Impact – A “Game-Changer” Experience
Today, Kidneywright Care Centre is thriving. The practice operates successfully from its Scottburgh location, has expanded to a satellite practice in Port Edward, and provides additional consulting services at a local hospital near Shelley Centre.
Kwanele calls the partnership with Merchant Capital a true “game-changer”. The fast, flexible funding not only solved immediate financial challenges but also gave them the confidence to expand, ensuring more South Africans have access to quality kidney care services.
Unlock Your Own Success Story
Thanks to Merchant Capital, Kwanele and Yolisa turned financial obstacles into opportunities for growth. Now, your practice can too.
Apply for flexible Medical Practice Finance with Merchant Capital today — and take your healthcare business to the next level.
