For Patients

Practical information for people facing serious illness, treatment decisions, advance care planning and questions about end-of-life options in South Africa.

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Patients

Start with care, clarity and documentation.

Practical information for people facing serious illness, treatment decisions, advance care planning and questions about end-of-life options in South Africa.

Care and support

Find palliative care near you

If you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, palliative care can be introduced from the point of diagnosis. It is a comprehensive form of care that can include physical, psychological, social and spiritual support while you continue to make decisions about treatment.

These national directories can help you find hospices, palliative care centres, trained practitioners and condition-specific support organisations.

Association of Palliative Care Centres Find hospices and palliative care centres across South Africa. PALPRAC provider search Find a practitioner with palliative care training. CANSA care and support Cancer care, counselling and support programmes. Dementia SA support Virtual help and support groups for people affected by dementia. Love Legacy Dignity Finish Strong courses and end-of-life planning resources. Lymphoedema Association of South Africa Patient support and education for lymphoedema. Motor Neuron Disease Association of South Africa Support and resources for people living with MND and their families. PATCH SA Palliative care support for children and families. Soul Carers Network End-of-life companions and supportive presence.

Find a palliative care centre Find a palliative care practitioner

Advance directives

Prepare your wishes and appoint a trusted person

An advance directive records healthcare choices for a future time when you may be unable to make or communicate decisions. It can describe treatment preferences, circumstances in which treatments should be withheld or withdrawn, and who should speak on your behalf.

DignitySA distinguishes between a living will, which guides others about your wishes, and a Section 7 Mandate, which appoints a person in writing to make healthcare decisions if you cannot. The templates below include a combined living will and Section 7 Mandate, standalone Section 7 Mandates, and a planning guide.

Combined advance directives template Members only — sign up to download Section 7 Mandate template Members only — sign up to download Section 7 Mandate template Members only — sign up to download Advance Directives Planning Guide Members only — sign up to download

Assisted dying FAQ

Common questions, answered carefully

Medically assisted dying is currently not legal in South Africa. DignitySA lodged its constitutional challenge on 9 April 2026, asking the court to declare the blanket common-law prohibition unconstitutional and to require Parliament to develop suitable legislation.

Until the law changes, DignitySA cannot help anyone to die. Patients who are suffering should speak with their doctor, a palliative care clinician, a counsellor or a trusted support person about legal care options.

Can DignitySA help me to die?

No. While DignitySA advocates for legal reform, direct assistance with dying is currently unlawful in South Africa.

Is medically assisted dying the same as euthanasia?

DignitySA uses medical assistance in dying to include a medically assisted death that is either self-administered or doctor-administered, with strict eligibility criteria and safeguards if the law changes.

What about travelling to Switzerland?

Swiss organisations apply their own checks. The process is costly, can take months, and requires a person to be well enough to travel internationally.

Is palliative care an alternative?

Palliative care is a legal and strongly encouraged form of comprehensive support focused on symptom relief, comfort, psychosocial support and quality of life.

What about palliative sedation?

Doctors may use palliative sedation in cases of extreme suffering, but the clinical intention must be symptom relief rather than causing death.

The Peaceful Pill Handbook

Exit International's Peaceful Pill eHandbook provides practical information on a range of issues, including gases, lethal substances, voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED), and the Swiss option. All topics are rated according to Exit International's Peacefulness and Reliability test.

The online version of The Peaceful Pill Handbook can be bought online for 95 pounds. A 30% discount is available to members of Exit International. It will not be sold to anyone under the age of 50 years, and photo and video ID will be requested. The e-version is updated regularly to provide practical self-help information for people who are seriously ill and for their family and friends.

DignitySA provides this as an information resource. Medical assistance in dying remains unlawful in South Africa, and DignitySA cannot assist anyone to die.

Visit Peaceful Pill Handbook

Legacy giving

Remembering DignitySA in your will

People who want to remember DignitySA in their will can do so through a codicil or an updated will. This is best handled with a legal professional so that any amendment is properly drafted, signed and stored with the original will.

If you are considering a bequest, DignitySA can provide organisational details and discuss how legacy gifts support the long-term campaign for compassionate end-of-life choice.

Contact DignitySA Read more about giving

Need Help?

We can help point you in the right direction.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact DignitySA and we will do our best to connect you with the right information or support.