• The Northern Cape Government reinforced its commitment to prevention-led responses, focusing on education, family resilience, and early intervention.
• Community-Driven Safety: Local successes in reducing crime were acknowledged, with emphasis on the need to tackle hidden dangers such as gender-based violence within homes.
• No success story begins with substance dependency. But there is hope if we choose differently.

Kalksloot, Northern Cape — In the heart of Kalksloot, the community became a powerful symbol of resilience and determination as the Northern Cape Government led a united campaign against substance abuse and illicit trafficking in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2025.

In response to the growing challenges of substance abuse and its impact on local families, residents are stepping forward with determination and purpose. With support from provincial departments and civil society partners, the community is driving initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and youth development. Local workshops, awareness campaigns, and safe spaces for young people are becoming key tools in building a culture of resilience and shared responsibility.

These efforts are laying the foundation for long-term change—strengthening social bonds, restoring hope, and empowering the community to create a healthier, safer environment for all.

The provincial observance, led by MEC for Social Development Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi and MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Mme Dimakatso Koloi, brought together key stakeholders from law enforcement, government, civil society, and youth formations to confront the growing impact of substance abuse, crime, and social instability in communities like Kalksloot.

“Prevention is an Investment in Our Future” – MEC Vilakazi

Delivering the keynote address, MEC Vilakazi highlighted the urgent need to shift from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based prevention. This year’s global theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, resonated throughout her remarks:
“The cost of inaction far outweighs the investment in prevention. We must strengthen education, build emotionally resilient families, promote mental wellness, and create socio-economic opportunities that reduce the appeal of substance use.”
She urged municipalities to fast-track the establishment and strengthening of Local Drug Action Committees (LDACs) to serve as the backbone of community-based interventions.

“Safety Begins in Our Homes” – MEC Koloi

MEC Koloi drew a direct link between substance dependency, criminality, and broken social structures, praising the work of the Rosedale Police Station for being removed from the national list of top crime hotspots. Yet she cautioned:
“Safety cannot be measured by statistics alone. For many women and children, their homes remain places of fear and insecurity. We must confront gender-based violence with the same resolve we apply to crime prevention.”

Breaking the Cycle: Community Voices and Integrated Action

The programme featured powerful testimonials and intersectoral dialogue. A rehabilitated former inmate shared his journey, reminding the audience that transformation is possible:
“There is no success story that begins with substance dependency. But there is hope if we choose differently.”
Departments of Health, Education, Justice, and community-based organisations echoed a unified commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive approaches that centre healing, treatment, and reintegration.
In a poignant statement, SAPS officers urged communities to stop protecting perpetrators of violence and drug-related offences:
“We need to act collectively. Saying no to drugs is saying yes to life.”

Youth as Agents of Change

Addressing the intersection of substance use, unemployment, and gender-based violence, both MECs issued a powerful challenge to young people:
“You have the power to say no to those who trade your dreams for despair. Choose resistance. Choose a future.”
To support this call, the Department of Social Development continues to roll out Youth Empowerment Workshops and Career Expos—like the one in Kalksloot that reached 180 young participants—as part of broader efforts to create meaningful pathways for youth development.

Closing Words from MEC Vilakazi:

“Let this not be just a day of awareness. Let it mark the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter in which we break the chains of substance dependency, dismantle trafficking networks, and rebuild communities anchored in dignity, hope, and opportunity.”

By Evans Molimi.

• A youth brigade from a local faith-based organisation in Standerton is leading a grassroots campaign to address rising substance abuse among young people in the area.
• Their efforts come ahead of the Department of Social Development’s awareness activities for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 28 June.
• The initiative seeks to mobilise communities, highlight the dangers of drugs, and strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to protect vulnerable youth.

A fierce battle is unfolding in the streets and schools of Standerton as community members, especially young people, confront the growing threat of substance abuse. In the lead-up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on 28 June, the Department of Social Development has intensified its outreach efforts in the area.

The department is working closely with local youth, including members of a faith-based organisation’s youth brigade, to raise awareness and promote prevention. These young leaders are deeply concerned about the impact of drugs on their peers and the community.

Eighteen-year-old Neo Makoetlane, an active member of the brigade, shared that monthly youth mobilisation activities are held to discourage drug use. She believes the rising rates of teenage pregnancy, violent crimes, and social misconduct are closely linked to the unchecked spread of drugs.

“It is worrying that we continue to see a rise in cases such as drug abuse, social and violent crimes, and teenage pregnancy in our schools. These remain a major concern,” said Makoetlane.

She also pointed to underlying issues such as peer pressure and unresolved trauma as key drivers of substance abuse among teenagers. Many, she added, use stress and emotional struggles as justification for harmful behaviour.

“There’s also constant irritation among teenagers, which they use as an excuse to engage in this harmful behaviour,” she noted.

Makoetlane raised concerns about limited community response and underreporting of drug-related crimes. “Some people do not report drug dealers. Others even protect them. And when reports are made, arrests are rare. That discourages the community from speaking out,” she said.

She warned that substance abuse also places young girls at risk of human trafficking. “They are often promised jobs and end up exploited as sex workers or used as drug mules,” she explained.

Despite the challenges, Makoetlane believes change is possible. “I believe young people must embrace their true selves and become better versions of their dreams,” she said.

The Department of Social Development, in partnership with civil society organisations, has developed a National Drug Master Plan to provide a structured and coordinated response to the issue. The plan focuses on prevention, treatment, and law enforcement collaboration to address the root causes of substance abuse.

In Standerton and elsewhere, these efforts signal a growing commitment to protecting young people, restoring hope, and building resilient communities.

By Precious Mupenzi.

• The Nkangala in-patient treatment centre’s aftercare programme, in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), equips recovering youth with essential life skills, helping them reintegrate into society and reduce relapse.
• The Mpumalanga Anti-Substance Abuse Forum is actively coordinating efforts across government departments, NGOs, schools, and traditional structures to combat substance abuse.
• Voices of Hope and Transformation: Personal testimonies demonstrate the transformative impact of early intervention, treatment, and community-based support programmes.

As South Africa observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) on 26 June 2025, a sobering reality emerged from the sidelines of the provincial commemoration at Sakhile Stadium in Standerton, Mpumalanga. Mr Marcus Masemola, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Anti-Substance Abuse Forum, reminded the nation that the battle against substance use remains a pressing challenge.

“We are here to commemorate this important day, but it’s not yet uhuru,” said Masemola, reflecting on the ongoing impact of substance use in communities across the country. “We still have brothers and sisters caught in cycles of dependency, particularly related to illicit drugs, while many others are drawn into harmful patterns of alcohol use — often accepted as normal by society.”

Masemola raised particular concern over the increasing trend of alcohol consumption among youth, describing it as a socially accepted yet dangerous gateway. “According to health experts, alcohol withdrawal can be more complex and dangerous than drug withdrawal,” he cautioned. “This is why prevention is critical. We urge young people — if you have not started drinking or using substances, don’t start. Recovery is a long and painful process.”

He emphasised that overcoming substance dependency requires more than professional treatment — it demands long-term psychosocial support, reintegration services, and a strong community network. “The real challenge begins after rehabilitation. Every day, individuals must navigate the risk of relapse, which is why sustained aftercare and reintegration programmes are essential,” he said.

The Mpumalanga Anti-Substance Abuse Forum plays a central role in coordinating province-wide initiatives focused on prevention, education, treatment, and social reintegration. However, Masemola highlighted that limited coordination among stakeholders continues to hamper progress. “We cannot fight this battle in silos. We need collective action from every sector — government, faith-based institutions, civil society, and traditional leadership.”

By contrast, he warned, criminal syndicates involved in the drug trade operate with concerning precision and cohesion. “Drug dealers are highly organised. They receive tip-offs before law enforcement arrives, and police often find empty premises during raids,” he noted.

He called on communities to become active agents in the fight against the drug trade. “We must come together — parents, religious leaders, traditional councils. Our young people are in danger, and if we truly value the future of this nation, the time to act is now.”

Masemola also highlighted the Forum’s strong presence in schools through awareness campaigns and partnerships with organisations such as SANCA and local traditional authorities. These initiatives aim to educate learners on the dangers of substance use and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Two key provincial treatment centres were also spotlighted: Nkangala In-patient Treatment Centre, which caters specifically to boys, and Swaartfontein Treatment Centre, which serves both boys and girls. These facilities offer structured treatment and collaborate closely with civil society to provide holistic recovery support.

Of particular significance is Nkangala’s newly launched aftercare initiative in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and various government departments. This programme provides individuals in recovery with critical life and vocational skills to support sustainable reintegration into society.

One such individual is Vuyo Galebetse, who began his recovery journey at Nkangala in March 2025. Sharing his personal story during the commemoration, he described the devastating impact that crystal meth had on his life and family relationships.

“I started with cannabis, and it quickly escalated to crystal meth,” said Galebetse. “I reached a point where I was stealing from my family to sustain my use. That was my wake-up call.”

Now, several months into treatment, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to begin anew. “This programme saved my life. I’m learning to live with intention and purpose. To other young people — don’t wait until you’ve lost everything. Seek help before it’s too late.”

Galebetse’s journey reflects the broader message from Masemola: recovery is possible, but it requires a shared commitment from families, communities, and institutions.

“There is help. There is hope. But unity is key. If we do not act collectively, we risk losing a generation to substance dependence,” Masemola concluded.

By Staff writer.

• ⁠The Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) initiative is designed to reduce barriers to access by delivering critical government services directly to remote and underserved communities.
• ⁠Empowering Citizens through Dialogue: The programme includes community engagements that enable residents to voice their needs and help shape service delivery priorities.
• Collaborative Governance in Action: The outreach reflects a multi-sectoral, intergovernmental approach, demonstrating unity in improving social service delivery across all levels of government.

As part of ongoing efforts to make government services more accessible to communities, the Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Honourable Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi, will lead the rollout of a high-impact Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Batlharos, located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is set to take place on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
ICROP is a flagship outreach model that bridges the gap between government services and the most underserved communities—especially those in rural and remote areas. The programme streamlines access to essential services by eliminating common barriers, such as travel distance, transport costs, and bureaucratic hurdles. Its core mission is to ensure that the most vulnerable residents can exercise their rights to social assistance and broader developmental support.
The day’s activities will commence with a community dialogue session, allowing MEC Vilakazi and various stakeholders to directly engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and discuss service delivery improvements. Thereafter, a wide range of on-site services will be provided, including social grant support and other vital services offered by government departments, agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.
MEC Vilakazi will be joined by senior officials from the Department of Social Development, SASSA, and representatives from all three spheres of government. Their collective presence underlines a shared commitment to responsive, people-centred governance.