The DBE is committed to creating safe and supportive educational environments for all learners. Recognising the challenges that are posed by substance use, especially amongst young people, the DBE is implementing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy in partnership with sister departments and other stakeholders focused on evidence-based substance use prevention.

This year’s theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is Breaking the Chains: Prevention Treatment and Recovery for All. This theme aligns perfectly with the department’s National Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Alcohol and Drug Use Among Learners in Schools. The strategy emphasises the importance of education, early intervention, referral to treatment, care and psychosocial support. The Department views prevention of substance abuse as a fundamental component in promoting learner success and wellbeing.

To commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2025, the DBE hosted a series of webinars in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, Gauteng Department of Social Development, the Zero Dropout Campaign and the South African Anxiety and Depression Group from 24 to 26 June 2025. The webinars focused on providing learners, educators and parents with evidence-based prevention interventions and strategies for addressing substance abuse within the education sector.

On the first day of the webinar series, Dr Gunesekaran Rengaswamy, Regional Advisor at the United Nations, addressed drug related challenges facing Africa. He highlighted the alarming rise of new psychoactive substance alongside known substances such as heroin, nyaope, methamphetamine, cocaine and opioids. Dr Rengaswamy revealed that around 70% of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders in Africa are aged between 15 and 34. This trend poses a heightened risk for HIV and hepatitis C infections, particularly among those who inject drugs, emphasizing the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The key focus of the webinars was on the science behind school based interventions, notably the implementation of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) that was developed by the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program. Ms Vathiswa Ndlangamandla, Deputy Director at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, explained that the UPC curriculum is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills and competencies to deliver effective evidence based prevention programmes in schools. She further explained that the UPC is a well-tested approach to building positive school environments, strengthening school policies and fostering protective factors against substance use.

“Schools play an important role in prevention of substance use by providing a safe and supportive environment where learners can cultivate healthy behaviours,” said Ms Sibongile Monareng, DBE’s Director of Psychosocial Support and Substance Use Prevention. She emphasised that South Africa has many policies that support substance use prevention, such as the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024, which advocates for a balanced approach to drug control. This plan addresses demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction.

However, despite these efforts, challenges remain, including the criminalisation of substance use, stigma and limited access to treatment. The DBE, along with its partners, promotes a health-centered approach to addressing substance use, prioritising treatment and support over punitive measures. Ms Monareng further noted that the DBE is committed to making sure that the evidence-based prevention programmes are effectively implemented in schools. The DBE calls all learners, educators, parents and stakeholders to join forces in the fight against substance abuse and stand together in protecting young people. For more information and support about substance abuse reach out to:

The Department of Social Development

Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline: 0800 12 13 14

SMS 32312

SANCA

Tel: 011 892 3829

WhatsApp: 076 535 1701

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG):

Call: 0800 567 567

WhatsApp: 076 882 2775