Some reflections on the visit to KwaZulu-Natal in late October 2025
While the visit was short and only a few member organisations were seen, the opportunity to engage with the provincial AGM was important. Good relationships were established and developed. The value of the provincial associations in extending the reach of the APCC and supporting the members was a key feature of the visit.
Thank you to Di van Dyk (chairperson) and the HAKZN team for your very warm welcome.
The APCC AGM was held at Hospice Highway during this time, and we were given a tour of the facilities. Were were delighted to hear that the IPU should be reopened soon!
As there was a quorum at the AGM, the APCC team could interact with most of the member organisations. The strategic plan is envisaged to be complete in the last two weeks of January 2026.
HAKZN
Motlalentoa was invited to the Hospice Association of KZN’s AGM, which took place on 28 October.
Motlalentoa, Tersia and Warren attended as representatives of the APCC and participated in the robust and engaging discussions. The challenges facing the members of HAKZN were noted.
Motlalentoa was offered a space to address the AGM and spoke about a shared vision for palliative care in South Africa, some of the challenges facing the APCC, and the importance and value of working towards common goals. Motlalentoa also gave some of his background and shared his enthusiasm for palliative care.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Following the HAKZN AGM, Motlalentoa, Tersia and Warren arranged to meet with a representative from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (KZN DoH). A very constructive conversation took place where the details and background to the KZN DoH palliative care funding model were our primary conversation topic. The conversation was wide-ranging and included looking at the need to expand the training in palliative care across multiple health professions (and allied health professions).
Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust and Verulam Regional Hospice Association
On the second day of the visit, the APCC team took the opportunity to visit two sites in the Ethekwini Metro: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) and Verulam Regional Hospice Association.
HACT was established in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and directed its activities in the care of those affected and developed many programmes in support of this primary objective. HACT now run multiple programmes ranging from GBV education, employment development and opportunities, as well as a 24-bed IPU.
The Verulam Regional Hospice has a very different model of sustainability and is community-driven and relies extensively on the support and engagement of volunteers. A feature of the care programme offered at Verulam Hospice is their Patient Pampering Days, where community members donate time and expertise to the ‘pampering’ of patients.