Suicide in South Africa

Suicide in South Africa is a public health and social problem that contributes to premature mortality and disability. National estimates and international modelling show that South Africa experiences tens of thousands of deaths from intentional self-harm each year. In 2021, the country recorded an age standardised suicide rate of about 22.3 per 100,000 people, ranking it the sixth highest globally.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

Suicide is among the leading causes of death for adolescents and young adults in South Africa, and has been highlighted in multiple national and regional reports as a priority for mental health policy and prevention efforts. National registration data are used by Statistics South Africa to report deaths due to intentional self-harm (suicide) and related external causes.^[7][8]

• Lifeline South Africa^[9]
• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)^[10][11]
• Netcare Akeso Crisis Line^[12]
• Childline South Africa – established for children and minors, but its counselling services are available to people of all ages.^[13]

• In 2019, South Africa recorded an estimated 13,774 suicide deaths (10,861 males and 2,913 females).^[5][14]
• WHO reported South Africa's 2019 age standardised suicide rate at about 11 per 100,000.^[3][7]
• National data from Statistics South Africa show that suicide has consistently been among the top 20 causes of non-natural deaths in the country.^[8][15]

Men in South Africa die by suicide at a rate of 75% higher than women. Women, however, are more likely to attempt suicide or present with non-fatal self-harm.^[5][14][8]

Rural areas often report higher suicide rates than urban centres, partly linked to social isolation, firearm access, and lower availability of mental health services.^[8][16]

Post-mortem and epidemiological studies show a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and suicide in South Africa, particularly among young adults.^[16][17]

Adolescents and young adults (15–29) are at higher risk, but suicide also affects middle-aged and older men disproportionately.^[18]

Periods of high unemployment and poverty have been linked with elevated suicide rates, especially among working-age men.^[8][16]

South Africa has introduced suicide-prevention and mental-health policies, including proposed national strategies.^[5][8][19]

These focus on:

• Improving access to mental-health care
• Community-based prevention programs
• Reducing stigma
• Restricting access to lethal means

• Mental health in South Africa
• Stransham-Ford v Minister of Justice
• Healthcare in South Africa

• Statistics South Africa