Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) is the national organization supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) across South Africa. Founded by individuals who understand the everyday realities of MS, we exist to ensure that no one faces this condition alone.

As a patient-led, registered nonprofit (NPO #003-275), our work is grounded in lived experience, guided by expert medical advice, and shaped by a passionate community. We provide trusted information, peer support, advocacy, and access to resources at every stage of the MS journey.

We are a proud member of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and contribute to global efforts to improve MS care, research, and policy. Our mission is to promote dignity, connection, and equitable access to treatment and support for all.

A South Africa where no one affected by MS is left behind - where every person can access the care and support they need, live with dignity, and find connection, community, and purpose.

In South Africa, people living with multiple sclerosis face significant barriers that affect their health and quality of life.

Too many wait years for an accurate diagnosis, while symptoms are dismissed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. And once diagnosed, access to appropriate treatment is often limited - especially for those relying on the public health system or living in under-resourced areas.

There is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, gaps in referral systems, and inconsistent access to MS specialists and disease-modifying therapies. These challenges delay care, deepen health inequalities, and leave many people feeling isolated, unsupported, and invisible.

At MSSA, we are working to change this. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we are pushing for earlier diagnosis, better treatment access, and equal care for all - because no one should have to face MS alone or unsupported.

EMzantsi Afrika, abantu abaphila ne-meervoudige sklerose (MS) bajamelene nemiqobo emikhulu echaphazela impilo kunye nomgangatho wobomi babo.

Abaninzi balinda iminyaka ukufumana uxilongo oluchanekileyo, ngelixa iimpawu zabo zingahoywanga, zingaqondwa kakuhle, okanye zixilongwa gwenxa. Kwaye xa bexilongiwe, ukufikelela kunyango olufanelekileyo kudla ngokuba luncinci - ngakumbi kwabo baxhomekeke kwinkqubo yezempilo kawonke-wonke okanye abahlala kwiindawo ezingenazo izixhobo ezaneleyo.

Kukho ukungabikho kolwazi phakathi kwabasebenzi bezempilo, izikhewu kwiinkqubo zokudluliselwa, kunye nokungafani kokufikelela kwiingcali ze-MS kunye nonyango oluguqula isifo. Le miqobo ilibazisa unyango, yandisa ukungalingani kwezempilo, kwaye ishiyela abantu abaninzi beziva bedinga, bengaxhaswanga, kwaye bengabonakali.

Kwa-MSSA, sisebenza ukutshintsha oku. Ngoncedo, imfundo, kunye nentsebenziswano, sifuna uxilongo olukhawulezayo, ukufikelela kunyango olungcono, kunye nonyango olulinganayo kubo bonke - kuba akukho mntu kufuneka ajongane ne-MS yedwa okanye engenaxhaso.

In Suid-Afrika is dit nie maklik om met meervoudige sklerose (MS) te leef nie.

Te veel mense wag jare vir antwoorde. Simptome word maklik misverstaan, verkeerd gediagnoseer, of eenvoudig afgemaak. En wanneer ’n diagnose uiteindelik kom, is dit net die begin van nog ’n lang pad - een waar toegang tot behandeling en ondersteuning vir baie mense buite bereik bly, veral in die openbare gesondheidstelsel of in afgeleë dele van die land.

Daar’s steeds groot leemtes in kennis oor MS, nie net onder gesondheidswerkers nie, maar in die breër stelsel. Mense weet nie altyd waarheen om te gaan, wie om te vra nie, of hoe om vorentoe te beweeg nie. En daardie onsekerheid kan jou laat voel jy is heeltemal op jou eie.

Maar jy is nie.

By MSSA weet ons hoe dit voel, en ons werk elke dag om iets daaraan te doen. Ons praat, deel, leer en staan op namens almal wat met MS leef. Ons glo in vroeër diagnoses, regverdiger toegang tot sorg, en in ondersteuning wat jou nie net as pasiënt sien nie, maar as mens.

Niemand behoort MS alleen of stil-stil te probeer hanteer nie. Nie in ons land nie. Nie in enige land nie.

To empower, support, and advocate for people affected by multiple sclerosis in South Africa by providing trusted information, peer connection, and access to care.

We raise our voices against the urgent challenges people with MS face - especially the need for earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and equitable healthcare across all communities.

Rooted in lived experience, we are committed to building awareness, promoting dignity, and driving change for a better future with MS.

Support & Connection
We offer a trusted support network for people living with MS in South Africa. Through peer groups, webinars, podcasts, and one-on-one check-ins, we create safe spaces for sharing, learning, and building community.

Information & Education
MSSA provides accurate, up-to-date, and locally relevant information about MS - from diagnosis to treatment and daily management. Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices and feel more in control of their journey.

Advocacy & Awareness
We actively advocate for earlier diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and recognition of MS as a serious public health issue. By working with medical experts, government bodies, global partners, and industry stakeholders, we ensure the voice of people with MS is heard where it matters most.

Global Collaboration
As the national member of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), MSSA represents South Africa on the global stage. We contribute to international efforts focused on access, brain health, research, and patient-driven innovation.

People affected by MS are at the heart of everything we do, shaping decisions and driving positive change.

Collaborative
We are stronger when we work together. We inspire one another, share knowledge and resources, and build partnerships that expand our reach and impact.

Inclusive
We are open and inclusive, embracing the richness of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within the MS community.

Driven
We are strategic and determined, acting with urgency to find practical solutions with and for people affected by MS, wherever they live in South Africa.

Funds raised help MSSA provide patient support and remain a trusted source of information, guidance, education, and advocacy for people navigating life with multiple sclerosis. Through this work, MSSA helps improve understanding of MS, encourage earlier diagnosis, and strengthen access to treatment across South Africa.

In 2023, in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), MSSA joined the roll-out of a new five-year global strategy.

Within this strategy we are working toward three key aims:

Improved scientific understanding to prevent, treat, and ultimately stop MS
Greater access to effective healthcare, information, and support
A stronger global MS movement, empowering organisations like MSSA and the communities we serve

Living with a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) is not a death sentence. It is a lifelong journey.

After diagnosis, life often changes in ways people never expected. There is no manual explaining how to adjust, how to manage symptoms, or how to navigate the many medical and emotional challenges that may arise.

The path toward acceptance, asking for support, and sharing your experiences is rarely straightforward.

MSSA is here to walk that journey with you.

We provide guidance, trusted information, and a safe, empathetic space where people can connect with others who truly understand life with MS.

By listening to the real experiences of people living with MS, we work to identify gaps in support and connect individuals with the information, resources, and community they need.

While the world continues to search for a cure, we focus on helping people live well with MS today.

Together, the journey becomes more manageable, and life with MS becomes a little brighter - one step at a time.

Join our community.

Explore the dropdown menu and complete the membership application here.

“At MSSA, we believe in the power of knowledge, connection, and community. MS may bring challenges, but it also brings courage - and we see that courage every day in the people we support. Our role is to stand with you, to speak up for you, and to make sure you never feel invisible. We’re in this together, and together, we’re stronger.”

- Non Smit, Chief Executive Officer

Register for Move Strong May – Move Your Way!

More than 5,000 people in South Africa live with multiple sclerosis. Our mission is simple:
Let’s leave MS where it belongs – behind us.

Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) invites you to join #MoveStrongMay, a proudly South African initiative inspired by the global movement for MS awareness and wellness.

This virtual challenge raises funds and awareness to support people living with MS in South Africa.

Funds raised help MSSA provide patient support and remain a trusted source of information, guidance, education, and advocacy for people navigating life with multiple sclerosis. Through this work, MSSA helps improve understanding of MS, encourage earlier diagnosis, and strengthen access to treatment across South Africa.

You can walk, roll, run, swim, or stretch - it’s about moving your way.

This May, Move Your Way:

Take a stroll or a scenic walk with family or friends
Enjoy a friendly game of padel, tennis, or any sport you love
Read to someone in a care home or hospital
Bake and share something sweet with children in need
Knit or crochet blankets for a community shelter
Plant seeds and grow hope in your garden or local park
Help clean up your community
Create and deliver handmade cards to brighten someone’s day

Whatever gets you moving, giving, or connecting counts - as long as you do it with heart.

Every action - big or small - helps build a stronger, more connected South Africa.

This May, move your way. Register to take part, share your journey with your family & friends, encouraging them to support your efforts by sponsoring/donating.

Move Strong May - Move Your Way.