Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background Diabetes is a significant contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa and to the reasons for encounter in primary care. There is little structured and systematic education of patients that supports self-care. This study was a qualitative assessment of a diabetes group education programme in Community Health Centres of the Cape Town Metropolitan District. The programme offered four sessions of group education and was delivered by trained health promoters using motivational interviewing as a communication style. The aim of the study was to evaluate the programme by exploring the experiences of the patients who attended. Methods Thirteen individual in depth interviews were conducted. Each patient had attended the educational programme and came from a different health centre in the intervention arm of a larger randomised controlled trial. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and then analyzed using the framework approach. Results Patients expressed that they gained useful new knowledge about diabetes. The use of educational material was experienced positively and enhanced recall and understanding of information. The general experience was that the health promoters were competent, utilised useful communication skills and the structure of sessions was suitable. Patients reported a change in behaviour especially with diet, physical activity, medication and foot care. There were organizational and infrastructural problems experienced specifically with regards to the suitability of the venue and communication of information regarding the timing and location of the sessions. Conclusion This study supports the wider implementation of this programme following consideration of recommendations resulting from patient feedback. However, only patients who attended the educational sessions were interviewed and the results of the larger controlled trial must still be obtained.