City expands substance use support for young people in Tafelsig
14 June 2026
Young people, parents and caregivers who are worried about substance use are encouraged to seek support from the City’s Matrix® treatment programme, which has expanded its youth-focused services in response to growing demand. The City has introduced a more intensive intervention programme with dedicated youth support groups at its Tafelsig Matrix site, building on the success of the existing services offered at Tafelsig and Parkwood.
The RADPAL (Reducing Alcohol and Drug use and other Problem behaviours among Adolescent Learners) Programme was first piloted at the City’s Matrix® treatment site in Tafelsig in 2021 to address moderate substance use, but recently, the team at Tafelsig has introduced a longer programme for adolescents engaged in more regular or severe substance use. A similar youth-focused programme was also started at the City’s Parkwood Matrix® treatment site just last year.
The brief programme consists of three sessions – two with the adolescent, focusing on substance use, other problematic behaviour, peer pressure, etc. and one with the caregiver, focusing on parenting skills. Once the adolescent and caregiver have completed their sessions then they attend a final joint session, staff conduct a one-month follow up session to monitor progress.
The longer programme expands to include group sessions twice a week for one month, as well as a support group.
The expansion builds on nearly two decades of the City's investment in evidence-based substance abuse treatment. The City pioneered the integration of substance abuse treatment into primary healthcare facilities, an approach that has been recognised internationally as a progressive model for addressing substance dependency as a public health issue. The Tafelsig Matrix® site, which opened in 2008, was the first certified Matrix® treatment centre outside of the United States.
Today, the City's network of Matrix® sites treats more substance abuse patients annually than any other treatment provider in the Western Cape and remains the only programme in the province to hold Matrix® certification with excellence.
In 2023/24, an average of 12 young people presented at the site for assistance on a monthly basis.
This year, the monthly average is 18. Many are referred by their schools.
‘We are seeing more young people coming forward for help, many for cannabis use, but also for more complex substance use challenges. The City is responding by expanding support at Tafelsig with a more intensive programme and a dedicated youth support group once treatment is completed. I want to encourage young people, parents and caregivers to reach out early. Help is available, and caregiver support can make a real difference to a young person’s recovery.
‘For nearly 20 years, our Matrix® programme has helped residents overcome substance dependency through treatment that addresses not only addiction itself, but also the underlying social and personal challenges that contribute to substance use. As demand among young people increases, it is critical that we provide age-appropriate interventions that involve families and caregivers from the outset. I want to encourage young people, parents and caregivers to reach out early. Help is available, and caregiver support can make a real difference to a young person's recovery,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Among the challenges driving substance use are:
- Parents who use substances
- The belief that cannabis is a herb and not a drug
- Peer pressure, with adolescents wanting to fit in, especially those starting high school
- Trauma such as sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, etc
- Using substances as a means of coping with learning barriers
Both Tafelsig and Parkwood deal with walk-in clients, meaning an initial appointment for screening is not required.
Once the screening is completed, young people are able to join the programme that is best suited to their needs. Where the substance abuse is at a level that requires more intensive intervention, the therapists at the Matrix® site will make the necessary referrals.
Contact information
The Tafelsig Matrix® site is situated at the corner of Kilimanjaro and Pyreneze Street in Tafelsig. It is currently operating from the Nelson Mandela Community Centre opposite the clinic while renovations are under way. The telephone number is 021 444 4464.
The Parkwood site is situated at the corner of Parkwood Ave and Walmer Road. The contact number is 021 444 4212/3.
For more information about the Matrix® programme and other substance abuse support services, visit the City's website.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
