Governments have the power to decide whether people live or die when it comes to health. On 29 May your vote will determine how well South Africa’s post-election government will look after your health. Today, we’re launching a series of analyses to break down what parties say they will do to fix the country’s health system.

From struggles and scandals to feats and forward thinking — South Africa’s health system has seen it all over the past 30 years. In this month’s Health Beat, we ask public officials, activists, health workers, legal experts and ordinary citizens to look back on how things have changed — and what it means for the future of healthcare in the country.

When South Africa’s medical schemes lose R28-billion a year, it puts a dent in your pocket. What could private medical aid funds’ teams who work to get back that money teach the National Health Insurance? Mia Malan talks to Botho Mhozya of Discovery Health in the March edition of Bhekisisa’s monthly TV programme Health Beat.

: Last week, the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal was mopping up damage after being battered by heavy, unexpected rainfall over the weekend — almost 50 times more in 24 hours than what the usual daily average is here. How seriously should your political party take such issues? Here’s what voters think.

Read the second edition of Climate ConnectionSouth Africa’s energy CEOs say they’re committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions while keeping the grid going and...

South Africa’s growing obesity epidemic won’t be reversed by preaching healthier eating habits and exercise alone; there’s a growing realisation that the food industry needs to change, write David Harrison and Liezel Engelbrecht.