INTRODUCTION:
The major causes of death globally are on the rise, with the World Health Organization (WHO) (2020) reporting 55.4 million annual deaths, from injuries, communicable, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, accounted for 74% of global deaths in 2019. In sub-Saharan Africa, leading causes of death included lower respiratory infections (774/100 000), diarrheal diseases (496/100 000), neonatal disorders (880/100 000), and HIV/AIDS (435/100 000). In South Africa, TB was the leading infectious killer, contributing to 454 014 deaths in 2018.

AIM:
This study aims to examine the causes of mortality and contributing factors within the DIMAMO Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Limpopo Province, South Africa, between 2019 and 2021.

METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed; the researcher utilised secondary data from 308 recorded deaths in the DIMAMO HDSS database, collected through verbal autopsies. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical methods using SPSS Statistics 25.0 software, with a total sampling technique applied.

RESULTS:
The results revealed that mortality was higher among the elderly (60+ years), with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV as major contributors. A statistically significant association was observed between age and the prevalence of chronic diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic and limited healthcare access contributed to increased mortality rates and underdiagnosis of cardiovascular conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:
The evidence underscores chronic conditions within the non-communicable disease spectrum, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV, as leading causes of death, especially amongst elderly people in the DIMAMO HDSS and similar settings.