STUDENTS URGED TO PRIORITISE EDUCATION AND AVOID SUBSTANCE ABUSE

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development is ensuring students at tertiary institutions across the country are well-informed about the impact of substance abuse and other social ills.
• Working closely with the Department of Higher Education and other stakeholders, the department is running a national outreach campaign to raise awareness of these critical social issues at the start of the academic year.
• The campaign aims to educate students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, gender-based violence, and social crime, while also offering screening tests, brief interventions, and referrals for further support.

The Department of Social Development, working with the Department of Higher Education and other stakeholders in the education sector, is running a nationwide outreach programme to raise awareness about substance abuse and other social ills among students at tertiary institutions.

The campaign comes at a crucial time, as students across the country undergo orientation at universities and TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) colleges, including those in rural areas, ensuring no one is left behind.

As part of this initiative, the department is at the King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College in Elliotdale, near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, where students are participating in dialogues, engaging with experts, and accessing vital support services.

This follows a successful activation at the University of the Witwatersrand and will be followed by an awareness drive at the Durban University of Technology.

The inclusion of TVET colleges, particularly those in rural areas and townships, is key to expanding the campaign’s reach, ensuring that vulnerable students, who may have limited access to such interventions, receive the necessary support.

The campaign aims to educate students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, gender-based violence, and social crime, while also offering screening tests, brief interventions, and referrals for further support.

This initiative coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming 2025 State of the Nation Address on 6 February 2025 in Cape Town under the theme “A Nation That Works For All”.

The president is expected to highlight the strides South Africa has made since the advent of democracy in 1994 and may reflect on expanding access to education and building a more inclusive, democratic society.

While millions of South Africans who were previously denied access to higher education can now pursue their dreams, social ills like substance abuse remain a significant challenge, threatening this progress.

It is within this context that the Department of Social Development is intensifying its anti-substance abuse campaigns, urging young people to prioritise education over destructive habits.

By equipping students with knowledge, resources, and support systems, the department seeks to empower them to make informed choices, contribute to society, and help build a stronger, healthier South Africa.

Speaking on the campaign, Faith Namathe, Social Work Manager responsible for Substance Abuse at the department emphasised the urgency of these efforts.

“Substance abuse is a growing crisis among young people, and institutions of higher learning are not immune. Social ills continue to threaten the well-being of students. Through this campaign, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, resources, and support systems needed to make informed decisions and resist the pressures of drug and alcohol abuse,” she said.

The nationwide outreach programme forms part of a broader government strategy to combat substance abuse, ensuring that students across all institutions – whether in urban centres or remote areas – receive the necessary guidance to thrive in their academic journey and beyond.

Namathe further emphasised the department’s commitment to addressing substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

“The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, No. 70 of 2008, mandates the Department of Social Development to develop programmes and support initiatives aimed at the prevention and treatment of substance abuse,” Namathe said.

“Through this, we ensure that those affected receive the necessary support while also strengthening prevention strategies to curb the rise of substance abuse in our communities.”