The state of palliative care in South Africa: A case of Mthatha hospices Eastern Cape Province

Despite the recognized importance of palliative care by the government, healthcare professionals, and communities, there are concerns that patients with chronic illnesses in South Africa are not receiving adequate care and commitment from healthcare systems. This paper examines the state of palliative care in South Africa, focusing on hospices in Mthatha, grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes human-centered care. The qualitative case study involved 13 participants, including terminally ill patients and health workers. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used to gather insights, thoughts, and feelings about palliative care. The findings highlighted that hospice provided biopsychosocial services such as counseling, wound care, and therapy. Common chronic illnesses include Human Immune Deficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and congestive heart failure. The challenges identified include staff shortages, patients’ denialism, crime and insecurity, and inadequate financing, all hampering the delivery of holistic and effective care. The study concludes that hospices provide end-of-life care and support patients in managing their illnesses, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to palliative care. It recommends government subsidies to cover home care, hospice services, and inpatient palliative care facilities, establishing care guidelines, and a framework for evaluating patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the quality of care delivered to ensure high-quality, comprehensive palliative care services for all patients. Current and previous volumes are available at:https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLEEsethu S. and Kajiita R. M. (2025). The state of palliative care in South Africa: A case of Mthatha hospices Eastern Cape ProvinceAfrican Journal of Social Work, 15(2), 48-55, https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v15i2.6