Who We Are
A department rooted in community, shaping healthcare through education, research, and system innovation.
The Department of Family, Community and Emergency Care (FaCE) at the University of Cape Town works across communities, health systems, and academic spaces to strengthen healthcare where it matters most.
We integrate clinical care, teaching, and research to prepare healthcare professionals and contribute to more responsive, equitable health systems in South Africa and beyond.
What makes us different
Community-rooted
Our work is grounded in real communities, not just clinical environments. We engage with the contexts where people live, work, and access care.
Systems-focused
We look beyond individual patients to the systems that shape health outcomes — working to strengthen services, improve access, and support better delivery of care.
Interdisciplinary
We bring together clinical, academic, and applied disciplines to address complex health challenges in an integrated way.
Education-to-impact
We don’t just train students — we prepare professionals to lead, adapt, and drive meaningful change in healthcare systems.
Where we sit and where we work
FaCE is based within the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences, and works across a diverse network of partners and practice settings. Our work spans:
Primary healthcare systems
Advancing community-oriented primary care and preventive health.
District health services
Supporting integrated care across clinics and district hospitals
Emergency care systems
Strengthening the continuum from pre-hospital care to emergency centres.
Community-based platforms
Partnering with communities to co-create solutions that reflect real needs and priorities.
Our purpose
To educate, research, and serve — in partnership with communities — to create a healthier, more equitable South Africa.
We care
We place people and communities at the centre of everything we do.
We innovate
We develop and apply ideas, evidence, and collaboration to improve health systems.
We are accountable
We uphold integrity, equity, and excellence in our work and our relationships.
Want to know more about what we do?
Explore how our work in teaching, research, and community engagement comes together to strengthen healthcare systems.