Diabetes has become one of SA’s most serious public health threats, reported Times Live (16 June 2026).
According to the latest figures from Stats SA diabetes accounted for 27,692 deaths in 2023, representing about 5.8% of all recorded fatalities.
More than 16,000 women die from diabetes each year.
Among men, diabetes ranked third at 4.3%.
This marks the second consecutive year that diabetes has topped the list of natural causes of death in SA.
Cerebrovascular diseases, including strokes, followed at 5.4% and hypertensive diseases 5.2%.
The Diabetes Alliance has requested President Cyril Ramaphosa, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to recognise diabetes as a national public health emergency.