POLOKWANE – The battle against drug abuse in the city and surrounding townships remains a difficult one, with the Limpopo South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) warning that addiction, particularly among young people, has worsened over the past three years.

Shift from alcohol and cannabis to harder substances

According to Limpopo Sanca social worker Tiisetso Mokwena, more young people in Polokwane, Seshego and Mankweng are using harder drugs than in 2023, painting a concerning picture for the future.

Men remain more affected than women.

“In 2023, alcohol and cannabis were the main substances reported. Nyaope and crystal meth, also known as ‘tik’, began appearing in Polokwane CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods,” Mokwena said.

At the time, drug activity was largely concentrated around taxi ranks, student areas and other known hotspots.

Drug use spreads beyond traditional hotspots

By 2024, the problem had spread to schools and colleges.

In Mankweng, cannabis use increased among students, while more teenagers began experimenting with drugs at younger ages. Alcohol remained the most commonly used substance.

Rehabilitation centres also reported an increase in admissions among people aged 15 to 30 seeking help for cannabis abuse and binge drinking.

Mokwena attributed the trend largely to unemployment and peer pressure.

Social challenges fuel growing addiction crisis

The situation deteriorated further in 2025 and 2026, with higher levels of nyaope and crystal meth use recorded in Polokwane, Seshego and Mankweng, alongside ongoing alcohol and cannabis abuse.

Through Sanca’s outreach programmes, many young adults from disadvantaged households have sought assistance.

Mokwena said many had dropped out of school, experienced family neglect, struggled with mental health challenges and, in some cases, turned to petty crime. “Drug use became a way to relieve pressure,” he explained.

Communities urged to play a role in prevention

In Polokwane CBD and Seshego, nyaope, crystal meth, cannabis and alcohol remain the most commonly used substances, while cannabis and alcohol are most prevalent among students in Mankweng. Nyaope use has also increased among unemployed youth in the township.

Men between the ages of 16 and 35 are the group most affected by nyaope and crystal meth, although alcohol and cannabis use cut across gender and income groups.

Drug Awareness Week, observed from June 22-28 and coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, has seen Sanca promote its ‘Kick Your Habit: Pause It. Swap It. Kick It!’ campaign and #70Challenge.

Mokwena encouraged residents to:

• Swap a craving for 70 seconds by stretching, walking or drinking water.

• Delay returning to the habit for 70 minutes to help train the brain to pause.

• Make it social by sharing the experience and encouraging others to participate.

Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said communities have a vital role to play in combating substance abuse.

He urged residents to educate young people about the dangers of drugs, report dealers operating near taxi ranks and residential areas, support people struggling with addiction, and seek help early through clinics or rehabilitation centres.