STANDERTON COMMUNITY UNITES AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE AHEAD OF WORLD DRUG DAY

By Evans Molimi.

• As the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking approaches, the people of Sakhile township in Standerton are calling for urgent, united action to tackle drugs and crime.
• In partnership with civil society, the Department of Social Development hosted community dialogues to hear the concerns of residents and co-create sustainable solutions.
• ⁠The dialogues showed that substance abuse is not just a health issue, but a deeply personal crisis affecting families, safety, and the wellbeing of young people.

As the Department of Social Development prepares to mark World Drug Day on 26 June, a groundswell of concern is rising from the heart of Sakhile township in Standerton. Community members, civil society groups, and youth are calling for stronger collaboration to end the cycle of substance abuse and illicit trafficking in the area.
The message emerged during recent community dialogues hosted in partnership with local organisations, offering a platform for residents to share their lived experiences and ideas for change.
Ms Mbali Lethuli, a concerned mother, captured the sentiment shared by many: “Substance abuse has broken many families. Our job as community members is not only to talk about it but to act. We must protect our children by spreading awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.”
She urged parents to show care and consistency in their homes. “Many children turn to drugs because they feel unloved. We must make sure that all children are treated equally and feel cared for.”
Seventeen-year-old Samkelo Ngwenya also added his voice, calling for safer spaces for youth to speak openly. “We as young people do not need drugs or alcohol to deal with our pain. Teenagers should not feel ashamed to talk about what they are going through.”
These community engagements form part of the Department’s broader effort to promote healthy choices and build resilience among young people. In response to the crisis in the region, the 2025 World Drug Day commemoration will be hosted in Gert Sibande District Municipality, where drug abuse is a growing concern.
The United Nations’ theme for this year is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,” with the campaign slogan “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”. It calls for more investment in community-based prevention and action against organised criminal networks.
In April this year, the Hawks’ serious organised crime unit uncovered a drug manufacturing operation on a farm near Standerton, seizing chemicals and machinery worth over R20 million and arresting six suspects.
For the Department of Social Development, this reinforces the need for stronger prevention, public education, and community-driven interventions.
By investing in awareness and working alongside families, schools, and law enforcement, the Department believes that a healthier, safer future is possible. As World Drug Day approaches, the call is clear: prevention starts with all of us.