Despite a stark divide between public and private healthcare systems, South Africa has a significant lead over other countries in access to preventive and therapeutic domains of care. This is in part due to good cancer screening and radiotherapy availability, a comparatively high density of critical care beds, and the reported ease of accessing medical care, reflecting that data available covers the healthcare system as a whole. With relatively adequate and sustainable funding, low out of pocket expenditure trends, good insurance coverage, average application of novel technology, and relatively reliable health services, South Africa is among the most well-positioned countries concerning healthcare system sustainability. This position can be even further strengthened, however; there is considerable progress to be made before South Africa’s healthcare system rivals the likes of those in the Middle East, and addressing the difference in quality between public and private healthcare could go a long way in making its system more sustainable. While communicable diseases relating to sanitation are no longer an issue for South Africa, viral diseases such as hepatitis and HIV are still prevalent. Prevention measures to address lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, could also reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Finally, further attention could be paid to mental health issues in South Africa: despite a high number of specialised mental health staff, the country still faces a high suicide rate.