Breaking South Africa's Death Taboo

Wits Hospice palliative care specialist Cameron Hogg says most people, including health professionals, stay as far away from hospices for as long as possible. ​(VOA / D. Taylor)

Johannesburg physician Wayne Korras believes palliative care should be taught at every medical faculty in South Africa. (VOA / D. Taylor)

A cancer patient at Wits Hospice in Johannesburg, Peter Cunnington, says palliative caregivers have made him feel “human” again. ​(VOA / D. Taylor)

Jack Kieser, a patient at West Gauteng Hospice in Krugersdorp, is terminally ill with stomach cancer … But still considers himself to be a lucky man… ​(VOA / D. Taylor)

Health specialists want to see a sustained public campaign focused on highlighting the value of palliative care in South Africa. ​(VOA / D. Taylor)

A student nurse reads about palliative care from a textbook during a sponsored course at Wits Hospice. ​(VOA / D. Taylor)

The director of West Gauteng Hospice, Rian Venter (right) considers palliative care to be a basic human right. ​(VOA / D. Taylor)