Suicide now the leading cause of unnatural deaths in SA - Discovery report

CapeTalk's John Maytham interviews Dr Maritha van der Walt, chief medical officer of Discovery Life.

Suicide has become the leading cause of unnatural deaths in South Africa according to Discovery Life’s 2024 Claims Experience report on its members.

Unnatural causes made up one in five deaths the report says, with suicide representing the highest share at 35%.

This was followed by motor vehicle accidents at 23%, crime at 17%, trauma at 10%, and then other accidents at 15%.

Discovery says suicide-related claims for clients over 50 increased by 62% in 2024 compared to the five-year average. 

Among individuals aged 41 to 60, 45% of unnatural death claims were due to suicide. 

John Maytham interviews the chief medical officer of Discovery Life, Dr Maritha van der Walt.

Of those who died by suicide and were on the Discovery Health Medical Scheme, 63% had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, she says.

"That is an indication that people have mental health problems.... The increase in the suicide rate is very concerning and we always say it's not simply about statistics and claims - these are human beings leaving behind their loved ones with feelings of loss and guilt and sadness."

Dr Maritha van der Walt, Chief Medical Officer - Discovery Life

Dr van der Walt notes that factors like financial stress and debilitating comorbidities also play a role in these deaths.

"Some of these people had comorbidities like cancer, chronic neurological conditions, or intractable pain...  but financial difficulties of course would play a significant role in all of these very sad cases."

Dr Maritha van der Walt, Chief Medical Officer - Discovery Life

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation