Abstract
An overview of continuing education in South Africa reveals that despite strong philosophical support a number of factors impede the developmental of an effective system of such education. Existing inadequacies have been exacerbated by the introduction in 1986 of a comprehensive program for entry into the profession, resulting in an overwhelming demand for continuing education for nurses who trained prior to that. Rural nurses in particular are disadvantaged, with nondegree continuing education being largely inaccessible. However, efforts to meet these needs are afoot, and two recent initiatives are described.