City records increased demand for substance abuse prevention programmes

26 June 2026

The theme for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year centres on prevention, which happens to be one of four focus areas of the City’s Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy. In the space of nine months this year, more than 5 000 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 3 500 participants across the metropole in a nine-month period – attendance was 5 193.

‘We cannot ignore the direct link between substance abuse and the violence and crime that plague many of our 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 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
 
The substance use prevention unit’s key programmes 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 teaches positive parenting strategies, helps teens 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, nurturing home environment.

The theme for World Drug Day on 26 June is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; 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 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.
 
‘If we are serious about making our communities safer, we must invest in prevention interventions. Our approach is comprehensive and designed to support national and provincial government priorities around substance abuse. However, we are now in the early stages of reviewing our existing Alcohol and Drug Strategy, to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to emerging trends and substance abuse priorities particular to Cape Town,‘ said Councillor Higham.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office