Beyond Vitiligo was founded on 25 June 2011, by Gaone Matewa. Today, BV is operating as a fully registered Non-profit organisation, with CIPC and Department of Social development. Currently, we have 140 members including three kids aged 3, 5 and 7.
The founder of Beyond Vitiligo South Africa gave birth to Beyond Vitiligo in Botswana. Gaone started her vitiligo awareness as early as 2009 and established the organisation in 2011. She is a wife, a proud mother of two children and an avid marathon runner who has competed in two Comrades marathons. Gaone is a member of other vitiligo organisations which include IADPO, VIPOC, and Vitiligo in Africa and has worked with numerous organisations in South Africa.
Gaone Matewa is a dynamic South African entrepreneur, medical author, and globally recognized patient advocate with a deep commitment to vitiligo awareness and skin health. She is the founder of Beyond Vitiligo and Beyond Vitiligo Botswana, pioneering organizations that provide education, support, and empowerment to individuals living with vitiligo.
With 14 years of entrepreneurial experience and over a decade of impactful advocacy, she offers a unique blend of strategy. She served as the President of the Vitiligo International Patient Organisation Committee (VIPOC), where she led global initiatives to strengthen partnerships and expand vitiligo awareness across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Currently, she continues her influential patient advocacy on the international stage as a board member of GlobalSkin, serving on the Risk & Finance Committee, and as a patient representative on the EUPATI (European Patients’ Academy) board, where she contributes to advancing patient engagement and education in medical innovation.
Gaone is a graduate in Finance & Investment and holds prestigious finance certifications, equipping her with advanced expertise in investment management and financial strategy. She also completed the Patient Expert Training Programme on Medicines Research & Development as an EUPATI fellow, enhancing her role as a patient representative and advocate in medical innovation.
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In addition to her advocacy, Gaone is a published medical author and a respected voice in dermatology research, focusing on the psychosocial impact and treatment of vitiligo. She is also a visionary entrepreneur, leading digital transformation as CEO of TNG Solutions and Simboti Digital, and is passionate about innovation.
Gaone’s leadership is characterized by her ability to bridge healthcare, research, and technology, creating meaningful impact for patients and communities. She is an avid marathon runner and a recognized changemaker in South Africa’s health and entrepreneurial landscapes.
Our Objectives
Vitiligo Awareness
To create awareness of vitiligo in South Africa; Find out the latest developments about the cure of vitiligo; Counselling vitiligo patients.
Vitiligo Education
BV intends to Viducate (vitiligo education) the community on the effects of vitiligo and its history through social media networks, lectures.
Vitiligo Support
It is to be provided to those affected by the skin condition through workshops, true-life stories and sharing ideas about the new medications.
Vitiligo Research
We participate in research on vitiligo treatments; Partnering with pharmaceutical companies to assist with research on new treatments.
