The Hardap Suicide Prevention Task Force hosted a Suicide Prevention Concert, themed “The Hope Concert”, in Mariental on Friday evening as part of activities marking National Suicide Prevention Day.

The concert brought together community members through musical performances and personal testimonies aimed at spreading a message of hope and encouraging people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help and support.

Chief Social Worker in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Renee Von Watzdorf, said suicide statistics in the Hardap Region have shown a decline since the establishment of the task force in 2023.

Von Watzdorf said the region recorded 29 suicide deaths in 2023, which dropped to 12 in both 2024 and 2025.

She said five suicide deaths have so far been recorded in the region this year.

Von Watzdorf also highlighted a decline in suicide among young people, saying no person under the age of 20 has died by suicide in the region since 2025.

She attributed the progress to increased awareness, community interventions, and the work of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, while stressing the importance of continued collaboration to prevent further loss of life.

The Hope Concert provided a platform for community members to share their experiences and remind those facing difficult circumstances that they are not alone.

A candle lighting was held for lives lost due to suicide.