Palliative care is often misunderstood as care reserved for the final stages of life, but it can begin much earlier to improve quality of life for patients and support their families. In this Lifestyle conversation, Motlalentoa Motsoane, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa, discusses the importance of early access to palliative care, the challenges surrounding public awareness, and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring timely support. He also unpacks South Africa’s efforts to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system and explains how patients and families can find accredited palliative care providers in their communities.