Lugongolweni Member of Parliament Joseph Souza has identified government failures as a significant contributor to the high rate of suicide in Eswatini. The country is reportedly one of the countries with the highest suicide cases, with the youth and men being disproportionately affected. According to Souza, young people in Eswatini face numerous challenges, including limited access to tertiary education and scarce job opportunities.
Souza noted that many young people who complete high school education are unable to enroll in tertiary institutions due to the limited number of recognized and government-supported institutions. Even those who enroll at tertiary institutions, such as the University of Eswatini, face challenges in securing government scholarships. This has led to corruption, with some students paying bribes to be considered for scholarships. Souza described the situation as "scholarships being sold or accessed by those with connections."
The MP emphasized that these challenges contribute to the high rate of youth suicides in Eswatini. He called on the government to address these issues and prioritize the needs of the youth. Souza suggested that the government should direct more resources to sectors that benefit the youth, such as increasing access to tertiary education and job opportunities. He also proposed easing the requirements for accessing financial support to start youth-driven businesses.
BERCS Chief Executive Officer Danger Nhlabatsi stated that addressing the issue of suicide requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. He noted that suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, and that it is essential to join resources to counter the elements that lead to suicide. Nhlabatsi thanked partnering organizations for their continuous efforts in preventing suicide.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula addressed the issue of suicide during the World Suicide Prevention Day at Matsetsa. He emphasized the importance of open and objective discussions about suicide, highlighting that many cases can be prevented by simply speaking out about stressful situations. Matsebula directed his speech to the youth, as suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 years.
Matsebula noted that suicide is preventable and that effective interventions exist. He stated that the topic of suicide has long been surrounded by stigma, fear, and misunderstanding, and that society needs to change its perception to facilitate open discussions. The minister announced that the government is making changes to prevent suicide, such as gradually removing deadly pesticides from the shelves.
The World Health Organization has provided technical guidance and support to Eswatini in addressing the issue of suicide. Matsebula thanked the organization for its continued support. The government's efforts to address the issue of suicide include increasing access to mental health services and promoting awareness campaigns. The goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Key points
- Limited access to tertiary education and scarce job opportunities contribute to the high rate of youth suicides in Eswatini.
- Corruption in scholarship distribution has led to some students paying bribes to be considered for scholarships.
- The government and stakeholders must work together to address the issue of suicide and promote awareness campaigns.
