In a recent initiative led by SANPUD (South African Network of People Who Use Drugs), a series of art workshops and site visits were conducted to engage with marginalised communities, specifically people who use drugs. These activities aimed to empower individuals by harnessing their creative skills and addressing critical needs within their communities.
They form part of a visionary CDC project that aims to assist people who use drugs who are part of the TBHIV Care CDC-funded HarmLess Project. The project is situated in Ehlangzeni and Tshwane at the HarmLess drop-in centres.

In this first visit, SANPUD leadership did site visits with the Make Art Not War consultant, Andrea Schneider. The team identified the very real challenges these communities face in surviving every day, and economic opportunity is lacking, but the talent is not. Here is what happened during the visit.

Maintaining good hygiene is foundational to both physical health and mental well-being. This is particularly true for people who use drugs (PWID), a population that faces unique challenges in accessing basic amenities such as clean water and showers. Highlighting the importance of such resources cannot be overstated. ​The South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) welcomes the Belhaven Harm Reduction Centre and Viva Con Agua South Africa partnership to offer clean water and showers, a milestone that promises to significantly uplift the lives of our clients and the broader Greyville community.

​The South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) is making significant strides in empowering people who use drugs by establishing local networks that advocate for their human rights. Unlike many organisations focused solely on rehabilitation, SANPUD’s putting people first approach recognises the importance of supporting drug users in a more holistic manner, particularly in advocating for their rights and combating the discrimination they face.

​On International Harm Reduction Day, we recognise the essential role of the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) in leading the change towards a holistic and progressive approach to reduce the harms to people who use drugs.  Standing firmly against the backdrop of an increasing trend in poly-substance use, SANPUD represents a pillar of advocacy and support within the community. 

​On 5th and 6th of April 2024, the importance of harm reduction services was showcased during a training session in Philippi and Khayelitsha, attended by Young Adolescent Girls and Young Men some with previous and current drug use history in their families or themselves. The event underscored the necessity of equipping this demographic with knowledge about harm reduction services and their application. This training was scheduled after PLHIV sector requested that the PWUD sector and SANPUD disseminate knowledge and information on Harm Reduction to Townships around the Western Cape due to the demand for harm reduction services and information. 

​Research plays a pivotal role in advocating for and developing drug policies that are both evidence-based and grounded in human rights, signifying a shift from punitive measures to those that prioritise the individual at the centre of policymaking. Empirical studies offer concrete data and observable trends that allow policymakers and advocates to understand the multifaceted nature of substance use and its societal consequences. 

​On the bustling streets of Cape Town, amidst the chatter and daily commotion, lies a silent challenge: the risk of a drug overdose. Overdose-related fatalities have left a void in many communities, robbing them of friends, family, and loved ones. But a beacon of hope is on the horizon—an initiative combining education and practical interventions to combat this crisis. 

​At the heart of Africa's progressive stride towards more humane and effective drug policies, our recent conference convened a diverse group of experts, activists, policymakers, and community representatives. Together, we charted the emerging landscapes of drug policy developments, strengthened our network of stakeholders and partners, and intensified advocacy efforts with one central vision: crafting a drug policy that is rooted in dignity, science, and human rights.

​We are proud to present the Africa Drug Policy Report, a comprehensive overview of the conference held in 2023. This document not only encapsulates the discussions and outcomes of the conference but also showcases the ongoing commitment to ensure that the voices of people who use drugs are not just heard but are seminal to the formulation, practice, and implementation of drug policy across the continent.