Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related psychological conditions are a significant public health problem in Africa as a whole and in South Africa in particular. Some African literature is reviewed that points to the catastrophic impacts of war and other sources of violence on the continent. For South Africa an extensive review is presented of the clinical and epidemiological literature which shows that PTSD is a significant public health problem which calls for appropriate strategic planning on the part of those responsible for resourcing mental health.