Both community mobilisation and expert intervention are required for proper health care. All members of the South African Community have a right to justice, equity and participation in their health care system. Justice demands equal facilities for all, and in South Africa cannot be achieved without fundamental political change. Equity demands freedom from financial anxiety. Arguments for the further privatisation of health care in South Africa are immoral and unconvincing. Participation demands that a patient be actively involved in deciding the nature of health care rather than merely a 'consumer'. This requires both demythologising the medical profession and vesting power in the community. Practical steps towards these ends are suggested.