Suicide in South Africa is apublic health andsocial problem that contributes to premature mortality anddisability. National estimates and international modelling show thatSouth Africa experiences tens of thousands of deaths from intentionalself-harm each year. In 2021, the country recorded anage 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 leadingcauses of death foradolescents andyoung adults in South Africa, and has been highlighted in multiple national and regional reports as a priority formental health policy andprevention efforts. National registration data are used byStatistics 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 standardisedsuicide 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 thanurban centres, partly linked tosocial isolation, firearm access, and lower availability ofmental health services.^[8][16]

Post-mortem andepidemiological studies show a strong correlation betweenalcohol 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 highunemployment andpoverty 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
• Reducingstigma
• Restricting access tolethal means

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

• Statistics South Africa

• Suicide by country
• Death in South Africa

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