City of Cape Town launches 'Sinovuyu Teens' to strengthen adolescent resilience
15 May 2025
On this World Family Day, the City of Cape Town is proud to expand its award-winning Strengthening Families Programme by launching a dedicated teen support stream - Sinovuyo Teens - to help parents and adolescents navigate stress, conflict, and communication in today’s challenging environment.
The Strengthening Families programme is an internationally recognised initiative that helps parents and children recognise the value of familial relationships.
Over a period of eight weeks, participants attend 10 sessions that cover a range of topics, including how to communicate effectively and how to deal with stress. The programme also encourages children to dream about their future, and guides them on setting goals.
‘Functioning families help build value systems and foster a sense of belonging. The City’s Strengthening Families programme works with parents and children on building strong relationships, and understanding that everyone has a responsibility and role in the running of the household, and creating a safe family environment. We have had a very good turnout again this year, and I hope that the participants will spread the word and encourage other families to sign up next year. I am also very excited about the rollout of our Sinovuyo Teens programme, which helps young people navigate some of the critical challenges that come with adolescence,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
During the current financial year, the City’s Community Arts and Culture Development Department (CACD) has implemented 24 Strengthening Families interventions, reaching 255 families.
Programmes were conducted in Kraaifontein, Atlantis, Maitland, Brooklyn, Joe Slovo, Klipheuwel, Khayelitsha, Blackheath, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Lansdowne, Belhar, Parow, Delft, Cafda Village, Lotus River, Ocean View and Hout Bay.
The department has introduced an additional social assistance programme through the Sinovuyo Teens programme, to improve parent-teen relationships, reduce conflict, and prevent risky behaviours like substance abuse and violence. The Sinovuyo Caring Families Programme for Parents and Teens was originally developed as part of Parenting for Lifelong Health, a partnership between the World Health Organisation, Unicef, the Universities of Cape Town and Oxford, and Clowns Without Borders South Africa.
The nine week programme targets caregivers with teens between the ages of 10 and 17, and teaches positive parenting strategies, helps teens develop coping and problem-solving skills, and strengthens family communication. The programme also promotes non-violent discipline, stress management, and community support to create a safe, nurturing home environment.
Research shows that Sinovuyo Teens reduces adolescent risk behaviours and strengthens family resilience, making it an effective programme for long-term well-being.
Forty one officials are receiving training to assist with the implementation of the programme.
For details on how to participate in the City's Strengthening Families programme visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Support-and-safety/strengthening-families-programme
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
