Before addressing today’s topic, it is worth noting the commendable efforts to establish a parastatal aimed at addressing shortages in health facilities. However, public engagement on policy remains worryingly low. When Parliament invites citizens and stakeholders to comment on Bills, attendance is poor. Yet, these are the same citizens who complain once the King has assented to the Bill and it is operationalised.
During my time at CANGO, we tried to mobilise civil society to engage with legislation, but the response was disappointing. No government can succeed if its citizens are indifferent. Democracy demands ongoing participation, not just voting every five years. As John F Kennedy famously said: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
Suicide statistics paint a grim picture
Our nation continues to be shocked by the high number of suicides. Recent police data published in the Times of Eswatini shows 486 suicides between 2022 and 2024. Of these, 392 were males — more than 80 per cent — while 90 were females. Alarmingly, 18 of the victims were children or adolescents aged between 0 and 17.
The figures also show an upward trend: 151 cases in 2022, 161 in 2023 and 174 in 2024.
Government has acknowledged suicide as a national problem. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini told Parliament: “Suicides have become a serious matter of national concern,” urging emaSwati not to give up in the face of hardship.
Why men are most affected
High levels of poverty, inequality, unemployment, and a health crisis are among the pressures affecting emaSwati. Men bear the brunt in a patriarchal society that expects them to provide, remain stoic and never ‘show weakness’.
When a man cannot provide for his family or faces overwhelming personal struggles, some see ending their lives as the only escape from shame and despair.
It is easy for families and communities to blame the person who dies by suicide. However, such decisions are never made lightly — they are often the result of seeing no other way forward.
What government must do
Recognising suicide as a national concern should mean committing real resources to mental health services. Currently, the country’s only psychiatric facility faces the same shortages affecting other health centres. Essential medicines run out, leaving mentally – ill patients without critical treatment.
The Ministry of Health needs sufficient funding to recruit skilled psychologists — many are trained but unemployed due to the hiring freeze — and to ensure consistent availability of medication.
Mental health services should be decentralised to clinic level, enabling people to access help closer to their communities. Early intervention can prevent crises from escalating.
The role of NGOs
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should integrate mental health support into their community programmes. They can serve as important referral points for people in distress, especially in rural areas.
With government support, NGOs could establish 24-hour helplines so those facing mental health crises can call for help at any time.
Targeted programmes for men are essential, creating safe spaces to discuss the pressures that push them towards suicide. NGOs can also partner with survivors of suicide attempts to share coping strategies and raise awareness.
The church as a source of hope
The majority of emaSwati identify as Christian. The church, with its broad reach and moral authority, can play a vital role in suicide prevention. Faith-based programmes can offer hope, counselling and spiritual guidance to those who feel hopeless.
Many churches already have broadcasting slots at the Voice of the Church (VOC) and could use these to spread messages of resilience, hope, and available support. Outreach must extend beyond congregations to the wider community.
A call to action
Suicide is claiming too many lives. Behind every statistic is a grieving family and an untold story of pain. This is not just a health issue — it is a national emergency that requires a coordinated response from government, civil society and faith communities.
We must break the silence surrounding mental health. Blaming victims only drives the problem further underground.
Instead, we should encourage open conversations about mental well-being, challenge harmful gender norms and provide the services and support systems people need.
If we want to reverse the suicide trend, action is required on multiple fronts:
Government: Allocate budget and resources to mental health care, decentralise services and ensure consistent supply of medication.
NGOs: Mainstream mental health support, operate crisis helplines and create targeted programmes for men and other high-risk groups.
Churches: Use their reach to offer counselling, hope and community support.
Above all, we must communicate the message: Ungatibulali — the problem you face will pass. Life’s challenges are temporary; support is available and hope is possible.
Every suicide is one too many. It is time for emaSwati to unite in protecting and preserving life.
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