Tevarus Naicker.

Acting Executive Director

Tevarus Naicker became Innovation Edge’s Acting Executive Director in November 2024. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to guide Innovation Edge through its transition phase, supporting the team and ensuring the organisation stays focused on its mission to catalyse innovation that unlocks the potential of every young child.

With a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Stellenbosch University, as well as a Diploma in HIV Management from the Colleges of Medicine South Africa, Tevarus began his career in rural healthcare. He worked as a medical doctor serving underserved communities, where he gained firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the health system.

He later spent time as a medical officer in trauma research, deepening his understanding of health systems and data-driven interventions. This led him to the DG Murray Trust (DGMT), where he first joined as a young doctor supporting the Keready initiative, and later led the Western Cape arm of the project, delivering mobile, youth-friendly health services across the province.

He now serves as Innovation Director for the “All Children on Track” portfolio at the DGMT, with a focus on health, early childhood development, and systems-level innovation.
Tevarus is passionate about making systems more equitable, responsive, and human-centred, especially for children who are too often left behind. He believes in creating experiences that are both effective and joyful, and that meet children and families where they are.

His hope is that every child in South Africa, regardless of where they are born, has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and thriving, with the chance to dream beyond their circumstances.

“To me, innovation means reimagining what’s possible, finding fresh ways to solve persistent problems and making bold, collaborative bets that can shift the status quo for children.”