Section 6 of the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003)
The Law — What It Actually Says
Section 6 of the National Health Act guarantees every South African the following rights when receiving health care — including mental health care:
- The right to be informed about your health status in a language you understand
- The right to be informed about the range of diagnostic procedures and treatment options available — including their costs
- The right to be informed about the benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives of any proposed treatment
- The right to refuse any proposed treatment — and to be told what the consequences of that refusal may be
- The right to confidentiality regarding your health status
- The right to participate in decisions about your own health care
Here's what this means in plain language: if you go to a doctor, psychologist, or any licensed health practitioner for mental health support, they are legally required to tell you about all available options — not just the ones they personally recommend or prescribe.
That includes complementary approaches. That includes self-help technologies. That includes Dianetics. The law doesn't say your practitioner has to recommend Dianetics — but it does say they have to inform you that options exist beyond medication and conventional therapy, and that you have the right to make an informed choice.
Eish — most people sit in that doctor's office and just accept whatever they're told. They don't know they have the right to ask: "What else is available? What are the alternatives? What are the risks of this medication?" You have every right to ask those questions. And they have a legal obligation to answer them.
The WHO International Human Rights Framework
World Health Organization — 2023 Guidance
"Community-based mental health services and supports include... informal services such as those provided by faith-based organizations and traditional healers... While these are often the first point of contact for many, it is essential that they are functionally linked to the formal health system to ensure that people with severe conditions have access to evidence-based clinical care when required."
— WHO (2021), "Guidance on community mental health services"
"Legislation should promote the inclusion of diverse community actors, including religious and spiritual groups, as part of a holistic support network... However, these supports must not be a substitute for the state's obligation to provide accessible, high-quality, and evidence-based mental health services. They should act as a complementary layer of social and emotional support that respects the individual's right to health and scientific progress."
— WHO/OHCHR (2023), "Mental health, human rights and legislation," Chapter 3.2
The World Health Organisation is clear: mental health support is not a one-size-fits-all system. Community-based approaches, complementary technologies, and self-help tools are recognised as legitimate parts of a holistic mental health support network.
The WHO also recognises your right to health and scientific progress — which means you have the right to access and benefit from advances in mental health science, including technologies like Dianetics that have been used by millions of people worldwide over 75 years.
In South Africa, where access to formal mental health services is severely limited — with fewer than 0.5 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in many provinces — community-based and complementary approaches aren't just nice-to-have. For many South Africans, they're the only realistic option.
The Mental Health Crisis in South Africa
South Africans will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
Of South Africans with mental illness receive no treatment at all
Annual economic cost of untreated mental illness in South Africa
South Africa has one of the highest rates of mental illness in the world — and one of the lowest rates of treatment. The public mental health system is overwhelmed. Waiting lists for government psychiatric services can stretch to years. Private therapy costs R1,500 to R2,500 per session — completely out of reach for most South Africans.
Load shedding, unemployment, crime, poverty, historical trauma — South Africans carry a heavy load. And the system that's supposed to help is barely functioning. This is exactly why the WHO recognises community-based and complementary approaches as essential — not optional.
Dianetics is not a replacement for clinical care when clinical care is needed. But for the millions of South Africans who are struggling — with anxiety, with reactive behaviour, with painful memories they can't shake — Dianetics offers a practical, affordable, self-directed path to understanding and improving their own mind. At R400 for the book, it's accessible to almost anyone.
How to Exercise Your Rights
1Ask your practitioner about all options
When you see a doctor or psychologist for mental health support, you are legally entitled to ask: "What are all the available options for my condition?" They must answer. If they only mention medication or one type of therapy, ask specifically about complementary and self-directed approaches.
2Request information in a language you understand
Section 6 specifically guarantees your right to receive information in a language you understand. If medical jargon is being used that you don't understand, ask for a plain-language explanation. This is your right — not a favour.
3You can refuse treatment
You have the right to refuse any proposed treatment, including medication, and to ask about alternatives. Your practitioner must inform you of the consequences of refusal, but they cannot force treatment on you (except in specific circumstances under the Mental Health Care Act).
4Seek a second opinion
You have the right to seek a second opinion from another practitioner. If you feel your current treatment isn't working, or you want to explore other options, you are entitled to do so. No practitioner can prevent you from seeking additional information or care.
5Report violations
If a health practitioner fails to inform you of your rights or available options, you can report this to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) at www.hpcsa.co.za. Your rights are enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dianetics legally recognised in South Africa?
Dianetics is a self-help technology — a book and a set of techniques for improving mental health and well-being. It is not a medical treatment and does not require medical registration. Under Section 6 of the National Health Act and the WHO Human Rights Framework, South Africans have the right to access and use complementary self-improvement approaches alongside (or instead of, where appropriate) formal clinical care.
Can my doctor refuse to tell me about Dianetics?
A doctor is not required to recommend Dianetics. However, under Section 6 of the National Health Act, they are required to inform you of the range of treatment options available, including alternatives to conventional treatment. If you specifically ask about complementary or self-directed approaches, they should provide you with information or refer you to appropriate resources.
What if I can't afford therapy or psychiatric care?
You are not alone. The majority of South Africans cannot access formal mental health care due to cost. The WHO recognises that community-based and self-directed approaches are essential in contexts where formal care is inaccessible. Dianetics, at R400 for the complete book, offers a practical starting point for understanding and improving your own mental health — without ongoing costs.
Does Dianetics replace professional mental health care?
No. Dianetics is a self-help technology that works best as a complement to — not a replacement for — professional care where professional care is needed. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact SADAG on 0800 456 789 (24-hour helpline) or go to your nearest emergency room.