The death of a 21-year-old Chatsworth man who allegedly jumped from a bridge near the Umgeni Interchange in Durban last year once again drew attention to South Africa’s deepening suicide crisis among young people.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has now warned that South Africa is facing a growing mental health crisis among men and boys, describing it as “a silent national emergency” driven by unemployment, trauma, social pressures and untreated emotional pain.
Chikunga said many men continue to suffer in silence because of harmful social norms that discourage emotional vulnerability and prevent them from seeking help or openly discussing mental health struggles.
“Too many men are carrying emotional pain in silence. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and social isolation are affecting men across all age groups, communities, and economic backgrounds. We must break the stigma that says men must suffer quietly.”
Her remarks come as South Africa continues to grapple with rising suicide cases and growing concern over the mental health struggles facing young men.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police, an inquest docket was opened following the incident of the 21 year old.
“Circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” said Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Mental health experts warn that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young South Africans, with stigma and silence continuing to prevent many from seeking help.
“Behind every statistic is a person, as well as their family and community, suicide is not an isolated problem, even though for the person with suicidal thoughts it may feel extremely alienating,” said Megan Gonsalves, Crisis Line Manager at Netcare Akeso.
Chikunga warned that untreated mental health conditions among men have broader consequences for families and society, contributing to violence, social instability, substance dependency and rising suicide rates.
She said worsening economic hardship, unemployment, family breakdown, trauma, violence and substance abuse were placing enormous psychological strain on men, particularly young men.
The minister further noted that these pressures are compounded by limited access to mental health services, especially in rural and under-resourced communities where support systems remain inadequate.
“Mental health is not a weakness. Seeking help is not a sign of failure. We need to create safe spaces where men and boys can speak openly, heal, and access support without fear of judgment,” Chikunga said.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on families, schools, faith-based organisations, workplaces, civil society groups, traditional leaders and government institutions to work together to promote emotional well-being and positive masculinity.
Chikunga also urged employers and educational institutions to strengthen psychosocial support systems and ensure mental health services are accessible, affordable and inclusive.
She stressed that addressing men’s mental health is critical to building safer communities rooted in dignity, equality and non-violence.
“A society that ignores the emotional well-being of men risks deepening cycles of pain, violence, and hopelessness. Healing our nation calls for caring for the mental well-being of everyone, women, men, youth, and persons with disabilities alike,” she added.
Experts say breaking the silence around mental health remains critical in preventing suicide and encouraging people to seek help before reaching crisis point.
“Preventing suicide is a shared responsibility. When we break the stigma and choose open conversation and compassion over silence, we build spaces where early treatment and support are not just possible, they are expected,” said Gonsalves.
The Star