FREE STATE RALLIES COMMUNITY TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF DRUG USE

By Tshegofatso Mogapi.

• The Free State Department of Social Development marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a large-scale community engagement in Thaba Nchu on 26 June 2025.
• The event focused on prevention, awareness and empowering communities to respond to growing substance abuse challenges, especially among the youth.
• Partners included the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, local NGOs, police, health officials and education stakeholders working together to promote evidence-based solutions.

The Department of Social Development in the Free State, in partnership with the Sefora Ntombela Foundation and other key stakeholders, led provincial commemorations of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a community outreach programme in Ramakgari Extension, Thaba Nchu.
Observed globally every year on 26 June, the day is driven by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to mobilise governments and communities around the urgent need to curb drug abuse and illegal trafficking. Under this year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the campaign called for action to save lives, reduce harm and build stronger communities.
Thaba Nchu was chosen as the host site following growing concerns over drug abuse in the area. Local assessments identified four schools as hotspots for substance use, with reports of learners both using and distributing drugs on school grounds.
More than 100 people attended the event, including district officials, civil society groups, community members and provincial service providers. The South African Police Service, Department of Health, Charlotte Maxeke Treatment Centre and LoveLife were among those actively participating in the awareness campaign.
The programme combined education, community dialogue and distribution of prevention tools. Attendees were introduced to the ASSIST screening tool, a globally recognised method that helps individuals understand their personal risk of substance dependence. Information pamphlets and support materials were handed out, while officials encouraged residents to report drug-related crime and to access available support services.
Ms Mohau Lebakeng, a social worker from Mangaung District, underscored the importance of prevention as the frontline defence against addiction. “When we equip people with knowledge and access to services, we reduce the factors that lead to substance abuse, crime and the breakdown of families,” she said.
Efforts were also made to ensure that the day’s activities were inclusive of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Speaking at the event, former Premier and founder of the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, Me Sefora Ntombela, urged all sectors of society to take a stand. “Drugs are destroying our children and our communities. The time has come for all of us to stand up, speak out and protect our nation,” she said.
The Department of Social Development remains committed to driving prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in partnership with communities, as it continues to respond to substance use and its wider social impacts across the province.