Advance DirectivesCoalition
South African law gives you the right to choose who makes your medical decisions when you no longer can. Most people don't know this.
Section 7 of the National Health Act allows you to give a written mandate to someone you trust, authorising them to consent to or refuse health services on your behalf, including the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment when that is what you wish. Our coalition is focused on making sure every South African knows about this right.
The Section 7 Mandate
The National Health Act of 2003 gives you the right to choose who makes medical decisions for you when you can no longer make or communicate these decisions yourself. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatment, allowing you to die a natural death when that is your wish.
Your Right
Section 7 lets you mandate someone in writing to consent to or refuse any health service on your behalf when you are unable to do so. That person becomes your mandate holder.
Simple to Do
No lawyer or official is needed. A simple signed written document that clearly names your chosen mandate holder is all it takes. This is your "section 7 mandate".
Why It Matters
Most people, including health care providers, don't know this right exists. Without a mandate, decisions default to a prescribed list: spouse, parent, grandparent, adult child, or sibling. That may not be what you want.
Our focus is education and empowerment. We are working to ensure that every South African, whether patient, family member, or health care provider, knows about the right to give a section 7 mandate, and is encouraged to use it.
Resources
Read and share our position paper on Section 7 of the National Health Act.
Section 7 Position Paper
Our March 2026 position paper sets out the legal framework of the section 7 mandate, why it matters, and our strategy for education and empowerment through advocacy. All stakeholders are encouraged to share it widely.
Download PDFSupported By
Leading organisations supporting advance directive awareness in South Africa
Support the Coalition
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