DSD TAKES ANTI-SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAMPAIGN TO GUGULETHU AND KHAYELITSHA

By Keitumetse Rampoporo

In a proactive effort to promote responsible festive-season celebrations and curb the escalation of substance abuse, the Department of Social Development (DSD) recently rolled out a high-impact, two-day prevention and awareness campaign in two of the Western Cape’s most densely populated communities.

The DSD-led initiative prioritised direct community engagement, with activations hosted at Gugulethu Square on Wednesday, 18 December 2025, followed by outreach at the Khayelitsha Shopping Centre on Thursday, 19 December 2025. The campaign forms part of the Department’s broader national mandate to safeguard families and communities from social ills commonly associated with substance abuse, including gender-based violence (GBV), crime, and family breakdown.

The campaign was led by Ms Faith Namati, Social Work Programme Manager for Substance Abuse, who, together with her team, engaged residents through face-to-face interactions, the distribution of educational material, and referrals to available support services.

“We are creating awareness around alcohol and drug abuse, particularly alcohol, which tends to increase during the festive season,” said Ms Namati. She emphasised that the Department’s message is clear and consistent: “Let us celebrate responsibly and avoid excessive consumption.”

Ms Namati further stressed the importance of parental vigilance, reminding families that while the festive season is temporary, the consequences of substance abuse can be long-lasting. She called for a collective community response, noting that addressing drug and alcohol abuse requires the active involvement of parents, caregivers, and community members alike.

On the second day of the campaign in Khayelitsha, DSD representative Ms Nomkhosi Kunene shifted the focus to the heightened risks facing young people during the festive period. She cautioned parents that the holiday season is often perceived by youth as a “free pass” to experiment with substances, a behaviour that can rapidly lead to addiction, school dropouts, and criminal activity.

Ms Kunene distributed information packs containing toll-free helpline numbers and encouraged parents and guardians to seek assistance early. “We urge families to act proactively rather than reactively, before experimentation turns into a life-altering struggle,” she said.

The DSD campaign was strengthened through strategic partnerships with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), demonstrating a coordinated, multi-sectoral government approach to community well-being.

Representing NERSA, Ms Tinstswalo Maluleke participated in the activations to educate residents about their rights relating to electricity, piped gas, and petroleum services. She highlighted the link between reliable energy services and safer, more stable communities. “We are here to ensure that communities understand our role. If residents experience challenges with electricity supply, whether through municipalities or Eskom, they are encouraged to escalate these matters to NERSA,” she explained.

Similarly, the DTIC’s National Liquor Authority (NLA) reinforced messages of moderation and compliance. Mr Serongwane Joseph Melodi, Director for Legal Support and Enforcement at the NLA, engaged community members at both sites to discuss liquor regulation and enforcement. “We are calling on people not to drink and drive, and we are urging retailers never to sell alcohol to minors. Preventing GBV also requires that alcohol is never used as an excuse for harm,” Melodi said.

Accessing Help

The Department of Social Development reiterates that while substance abuse remains a national challenge, support services are readily available.

Individuals and families in need of assistance can access the following confidential services:

•⁠  ⁠Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14

•⁠  ⁠SMS Support: 32312

•⁠  ⁠Energy-Related Complaints (NERSA): complaints@nersa.org.za | 012 401 4600

•⁠  ⁠Department of Trade, Industry and Competition: contactus@thedtic.gov.za | 012 394 9500

This campaign reflects the Department of Social Development’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities through visibility, collaboration, and prevention-focused interventions, ensuring that festive celebrations do not come at the expense of safety, dignity, and community well-being.