Ditching sugar: ZO staffer takes on Sanca’s Kick Your Habit challenge

Take Sanca’s 70 Challenge this June. Learn how to pause, swap and kick your habits to build healthier lifestyles.

June 21, 2026

Mbuso Kunene 2 minutes read

BREAKING a dangerous pattern is tough alone, which is why the week-long Sanca Kick Your Habit campaign is the best time to start.

From 22 to 28 June, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) runs this annual campaign to encourage healthier lifestyles.

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The aim is to help communities understand the challenges of recovering from alcohol and drug dependence while promoting healthier coping mechanisms and stronger support systems.

Pause, swap, kick

As part of Sanca’s 70th anniversary, this year’s campaign introduces a special edition: The 70 Challenge, which is themed Pause It. Swap It. Kick It.

“We are inviting South Africans to take part in the 70 Challenge by swapping a craving for a healthy activity for 70 seconds, delaying a return to the habit for 70 minutes, sharing their journey, and challenging others to participate for seven days,” said Sanca national coordinator Adrie Vermeulen.

The campaign coincides with Sanca Week and the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June.

“The Kick Your Habit campaign is about building understanding and reducing stigma. Through the 70 Challenge, we celebrate Sanca’s 70-year legacy while encouraging South Africans to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders,” he said.

ZO staffer joins the campaign

Zululand Observer sub-editor Tamlyn Cramer is taking part in this year’s campaign, and has chosen to ditch sugar for the week.

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While not considered a drug, there is an argument to be made about sugar addiction, with numerous published reports on the subject.

Join Tamlyn as she documents kicking her sugar habit – not to trivialise or minimise the impact of drug and alcohol addiction, but to underscore the message of addiction and the difficulties faced by addicts trying to overcome their habit.

During the week, she will also interview Sanca Zululand director Shireen Sahadev on overcoming addiction, empathising with those trying to kick a substance abuse habit, and unpacking the latest stats on substance abuse.

Anyone wanting advice on substance abuse can contact Sanca Zululand on 035 7723290.

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