Minister Chikunga Warns Youth Against Substance Abuse, Citing Threat to Health and National Development

The Minister stressed that youth development efforts cannot succeed without directly addressing substance abuse.

 

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, has issued a strong warning to young people against substance abuse, cautioning that it poses a serious threat to their health, safety, education and long-term contribution to South Africa’s socio-economic development.

The Minister said substance abuse remains one of the most pressing challenges facing South Africa’s youth, contributing to a range of social and economic problems, including school dropouts, unemployment, crime, mental health challenges, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Youth Among the Most Vulnerable

Chikunga emphasised that young people are particularly vulnerable to alcohol and drug dependency, especially in communities grappling with poverty, inequality, unemployment and limited access to recreational and economic opportunities.

“These conditions increase young people’s susceptibility to substance abuse, which often leads to academic failure, mental health illnesses, strained peer relationships, conflict with the law and a high incidence of accidents,” she said.

She added that the impact of substance abuse extends beyond individuals, affecting families, communities and society as a whole.

“Substance abuse robs young people of their potential and undermines the future of our country. It fuels violence, weakens families, destroys communities, and places enormous pressure on social services,” the Minister said.

Strengthening Prevention and Support

As part of government’s response, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will continue working closely with the Central Drug Authority, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to strengthen prevention programmes, awareness campaigns and psychosocial support services.

The Minister stressed that youth development efforts cannot succeed without directly addressing substance abuse.

“We cannot speak about youth development without confronting the devastating role that drugs and alcohol play in perpetuating abuse, crime and hopelessness. Prevention must start early and involve young people, their families, schools, faith-based organisations and communities,” she said.

Call for Responsible Choices

Chikunga urged young people to make informed and responsible decisions, seek help when facing substance-dependency challenges, and engage actively in positive initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and reduce risky behaviour.

“Our youth must understand that saying no to drugs is saying yes to life, dignity and opportunity,” she said. “We call on young people to become champions of change and to protect themselves and their peers by resisting the temptations of dependency-creating substances.”

Aligning with National Policy Priorities

The department reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, social cohesion and community safety, in alignment with the National Development Plan, the National Youth Policy and the National Drug Master Plan.

The Minister concluded that protecting young people from substance abuse is essential to building a resilient, productive and inclusive society, and requires sustained collaboration across government and communities.