What does the Her-Zone pharmacy-access dataset cover, and how is it built?

What zones does Her-Zone cover, and how are they defined?

Her-Zone scores pharmacy access across 1,360 governed analysis zones as at 10 June 2026. Zones are the unit of analysis: each zone carries a pharmacy-access score, a demand profile, and a confidence grade derived from the underlying source data. The 5,200+ active community pharmacies in the dataset are the inputs that produce zone-level access scores, not the primary output.

The precise active pharmacy count (see benchmark table above) is sourced from the SAPC statutory register and published as a dated supporting figure. It is not the full national register; it is the active operational subset. Her-Zone publishes the counting basis with every figure.

How complete is the coverage?

100% of active records are geocoded: active records carry verified coordinates, and active records are present in all 9 provinces. Coverage is maintained continuously, with openings, closures, and relocations applied to the live dataset rather than batched into an annual refresh.

Full geocoding is what turns a list into a market view: drive times, catchments, and zone-level demand only work when every door has a verified position.

What makes this a governed count?

Every figure is traceable to a named source: the dataset is assembled from 44 official data sources, led by the SAPC statutory register (Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974), not modelled estimates. Counting rules are conservative and stated: published figures count only active records, and deactivated zones or closed pharmacies are excluded even though they remain in the database for history.

The data is assembled and stored in South Africa under POPIA discipline, and moves to clients over auditable Microsoft 365 channels. The same governed chain stands behind every figure Herbst Group publishes.

How current are these figures?

The figures on this page were read from the live database on 10 June 2026 and the page is refreshed on a recurring cycle. The underlying dataset itself is live; for a current reading, or a view of your own territory against the benchmark, request a data audit below.

Can I use these figures?

Yes, with attribution: cite "Her-Zone Coverage Benchmark, Herbst Group, 10 June 2026" and link to this page. The underlying record-level dataset and its assembly methodology are proprietary and not redistributed; zone-level views are available to clients through the Her-Zone platform.