Cape Town: The City observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year the theme centres on prevention, which happens to be one of the four focus areas of the City’s Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy.
Reportedly, in nine months over 5000 learners participated in the City’s substance abuse prevention interventions. The substance use prevention programme in Community, Arts and Culture Development has been overwhelmed by demand for its services so far, this financial year. Facilitators of prevention initiatives at schools had planned for 3500 participants across the metropole in a nine-month period attendance which was recorded as 5,193.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that they cannot ignore the direct link between substance abuse and the violence and crime that plague many of the communities. That is why prevention programmes like these are so important.
They do more than educate young people about dangers of substance use. They also address issues like bullying, peer pressure, self-worth and making good decisions. In several instances, schools asked that the programmes should be extended to include more learners, hence the higher attendance. And, while the appetite for these interventions is heartening, it is also indicative of the very real threat that substance use poses in communities.
The substance use prevention unit’s key programmes, which are:
- Driving my future
- Essentially me
- Family Strengthening Programmes
A year ago, the Family Strengthening initiative was expanded to include an intervention specifically for adolescents, called the Sinovuyo Teens programme. The nine-week programme targets caregivers with teens between the ages of 10 to 17, and taught them positive parenting strategies, help teens to develop coping skills, family problem-solving skills, and strengthens family communication and relationships. The programme also promotes non-violent discipline, stress management and community support to create a safe, and nurturing home environment.
The theme for 2026 World Drug Day on June 26, 2026 is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; by providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.
Prevention is one of four key focus areas in the City of Cape Town’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Strategy, as it will help to change the trajectory of substance use within the metropole. Intervention services are led by City Health through its outpatient Matrix substance abuse treatment programme, while the City’s Safety and Security Directorate is tasked with suppression through its enforcement operations.
The City’s efforts are coordinated by its Alcohol and Drug Action Committee. According to Cllr Higham, if they are serious about making the communities safer, they must invest in prevention interventions.
Their approach is comprehensive and designed to support national and provincial government priorities around substance abuse. However, they are now in the early stages of reviewing the existing Alcohol and Drug Strategy. They also ensured that it remains relevant and responsive to emerging trends and substance abuse priorities particular to Cape Town.