South Africa
National call to action on youth suicide crisis─── REFILWE BEKANE 12:30 Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The department of women, youth and persons with disabilities has called for urgent, coordinated action to address the rising rates of suicide among young South Africans.
The department is deeply concerned about this growing crisis, noting suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15-29. A high number of young people also attempt to commit suicide.
“We are also going in to the holiday season, wherein the majority of young people, teenagers or preteens, some become victims of teenage pregnancy, and some, because of poor results from schools, end up being suicidal in thoughts,” said departmental spokesperson Cassius Selala.
Young people with disabilities face an even higher risk due to stigma, exclusion, and limited access in communities. The target of 4%–7% for employing persons with disabilities within the public sector has not improved, causing young people with disabilities to feel excluded from opportunities.
Plans
The department called for investment in psychosocial services, including trained counsellors, social workers, and youth workers.
This proposal is crucial because key driving factors toward youth suicides include academic pressure, bullying at school, and fragmented family structures resulting from divorces or parents working away.
“As parents sometimes work in the city centres, but even those who live with their parents, their families are fragmented because of divorces and many other family feuds that continue to arise.”
The department is calling for investment in psychosocial services, including trained counsellors, social workers, and youth workers. Photo:Freepik
Long-term strategy
For tracking effectiveness it is guided by the national youth policy (2020 to 2030). This policy sets out comprehensive cross-sectoral plans and calls for a focus on priorities such as the economic empowerment of young people, health, education, and social cohesion, particularly among the 14–35 age group.
The department is conveying a message of hope and assurance, urging young people to visit their nearest South African depression and anxiety groups for assistance.
It’s important for young people to express how they feel and get assistance, especially those who feel they have disappointed parents due to academic pressure or teenage pregnancy.
• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.
