Based on this desk review, dementia seems to largely be acknowledged as falling under a psychiatric jurisdiction (mental health and not a non-communicable disease). As described previously, South Africa has 1 remaining psychogeriatric unit (3 wards, 77 beds) at Stikland Hospital in Bellville (Western Cape) (Health24, 2018b). Based on the information available from online sources it is unclear whether these beds are dementia specific. However, specialised treatment for dementia is usually provided by a psychiatrist (Health24, 2018b). There are an estimated 650 psychiatrists across the country (i.e., 0.4% per 100 000 in the public sector), with only 3 specialising in old-age psychiatry (Health24, 2018b).

References:

Health24. (2018b). SA has only 3 psychiatrists specialising in old-age. https://www.health24.com/Mental-Health/News/sa-has-only-3-psychiatrists-specialising-in-old-age-20180813