According to the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Observatory, South Africa has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Africa, recording an estimated 21.1 deaths per 100,000 people.The findings place the country behind Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, with Eritrea also showing a slightly lower but still concerning rate.

The data was drawn from 21 countries in the WHO African region that submitted mental health statistics, with a particular focus on suicide prevalence.

The report highlights broader concerns about mental health across South Africa, where socioeconomic pressures, untreated mental illnesses, trauma and violence are significant contributing factors.Experts note that the impact extends beyond public health, with major economic consequences.

Studies referenced in the report estimate that unaddressed mental health conditions cost the South African economy more than R250 billion annually, representing roughly 4.5% of GDP.

Productivity losses are also severe, with an estimated 452 million work hours lost each year, while presenteeism contributes a further R200 billion in losses.A recent workshop on mental health indicated that around 253 people attempt suicide daily in South Africa, underscoring the scale of the crisis.Globally, mental health disorders affect one in three people during their lifetime, according to WHO estimates.In response, the Department of Health is implementing measures under the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023–2030.

These include expanding mental health services at primary healthcare level, increasing trained personnel through conditional grants, and integrating mental health care into general health services.

Collaboration with institutions such as the Department of Basic Education, the South African Police Service and advocacy groups like SADAG is also ongoing.Officials emphasise improved surveillance systems to track suicide attempts and guide targeted interventions.

Despite these efforts, experts continue to call for greater investment in mental healthcare to address the growing burden on individuals, families and the broader economy.