Use of dagga and nyaope spikes in Mpumalanga

National surveillance data and recent statistics from the Mpumalanga Drug Master Plan reveal that the province currently records the highest levels of drug trafficking in the country.

Data shows a 39% increase in cannabis use, along with a rise in nyaope use from 6% to 7.4%. Nyaope – also known as pinch, plazana, and kwape – is a dangerous cocktail made from heroin and dagga, often laced with other toxic substances such as sugar, baby powder, bicarbonate of soda, washing powder, pool cleaner and rat poison.

These statistics were shared during the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, June 26. Events were held across the country, with Mpumalanga’s provincial gathering taking place at Sakhile Stadium in Standerton.

The day focused on raising awareness around organised crime and the impact of substance abuse on public health, particularly among the youth. One growing concern flagged by the DSD was the increasing number of children experimenting with drugs, some as young as 10 years old.

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The department said early prevention has become a top priority. In the build-up to the event, the DSD, in partnership with the Central Drug Authority, led a outreach campaign across the Gert Sibande District from June 22 to 25.

The programme focused on prevention, education and recovery support in an area identified as a major hub for drug manufacturing and trafficking, due to its proximity to the Mozambique and eSwatini borders. Officials visited schools, taverns, churches and other community spaces to host honest conversations about the dangers of drug use and the long-term impact of addiction.

In the past six months, Mpumalanga has seen a surge in dagga trafficking cases reported by the SAPS and private security companies. Local residents, foreign nationals, and even police officers have been implicated, raising concerns about corruption and the integrity of law enforcement.

The provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that officials are deeply concerned by the growing number of individuals dealing in dagga. She said that through ongoing efforts such as Operation Shanela 2, law enforcement is making progress in intercepting traffickers.

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Dagga seizures have been reported in areas such as Tonga, Wakkerstroom, Mayflower and the Mahamba Border Post. Most of the dagga is believed to originate from eSwatini, and efforts are under way to dismantle the syndicates involved.

Speaking at the Sakhile event, the executive mayor of Lekwa Local Municipality, Cllr Sifiso Michael Mngomezulu, said that drug abuse is not just a local crisis, but a global epidemic.

“We need to move beyond slogans and awareness campaigns and implement tangible, community-based interventions – particularly in schools – to protect our children, who are increasingly vulnerable to drug exposure,” he said.

Mngomezulu also called for strengthened collaboration between municipalities, government departments and civil society organisations to combat the escalating crisis effectively. He stressed the vital role of whistle-blowers in exposing illicit drug activity and called for greater protection measures to encourage public participation in reporting.

Marcus Masemola, the chairperson of the Mpumalanga Anti-Substance Abuse Forum, urged young people to avoid drugs and alcohol, warning that the road to recovery is long and painful.

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During the commemoration, the province also partnered with non-profit organisations to offer HIV prevention education, child protection workshops and broader community development services.