About 82 of every 100 South Africans (i.e., 45 million) are largely dependent on public healthcare  (StatsSA, 2017a), which provides healthcare to 84% of the population (Mahlathi & Dlamini, 2015). This sector is governed by the National Department of Health which is responsible for the development of policies and overall coordination (Mahlathi & Dlamini, 2015). Provincial departments are responsible for providing primary, secondary and tertiary care services through public clinics and hospitals (Mahlathi & Dlamini, 2015).

References:

Mahlathi, P., & Dlamini, J. (2015). MINIMUM DATA SETS FOR HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH AND THE SURGICAL WORKFORCE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S HEALTH SYSTEM: A rapid analysis of stock and migration. Available from: http://www.prographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/0316-south-africa-case-studies-web.pdf

StatsSA. (2017a). Public healthcare: How much per person? Statistics South Africa: Statistical Release. http://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=10548