Cape Town: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was commemorated in the city on Thursday, June 26, 2025. As part of its Alcohol and other Drugs Strategy, the City of Cape Town piloted a treatment programme for adolescents in Tafelsig, in year 2021.
Reportedly, now it’s been introduced at its substance abuse treatment site in Parkwood, to support adolescents at risk of substance abuse. South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) has recently submitted a report and found that, in the Western Cape, cannabis and tobacco products are most popular among adolescents.
The report found that there an increase has been recorded in females 18 years and younger who are seeking treatment for substance abuse.
Considering this, the city health piloted a Brief Intervention Adolescent Programme at its Matrix Tafelsig treatment site in 2021. It also assisted over 120 adolescents every year. In February 2025 the service was introduced at the Parkwood treatment Site.
Some of the challenges include mis-perceptions about cannabis being a herb and not a drug, and clients defaulting once they have proof of screening for school.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year focuses mainly on empathy, respect and leading with compassion, while providing access to services and prioritising prevention.
The Community Services and Health Directorate of the City of Cape Town has been working tirelessly to offer programmes that reflect this theme. From the prevention-based programmes for learners and families, to the out-patient substance abuse treatment programme.
Higham said that the programme is based on the Matrix treatment model and incorporates treatment, counselling for clients and families, recovery support, relapse prevention and social support groups.
The city officials also recognise the growing need for treatment resources for younger people. She expressed her desire to encourage young people and their families to access the programme for adolescents if substance abuse, or the risk of substance abuse is a concern.