SANPUD Ensures Voices of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) Shape Drug Policy, Sustainable Funding and Research

Members of SANPUD (the South African Network of People who Use Drugs) are playing a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of people who use drugs are not only heard but actively shape the conversations that matter most. By organising peer-led forums, participating in policy consultations, and collaborating with human rights organizations, SANPUD members make sure that the lived experiences and insights of their community are brought to the forefront in discussions about drug policy, health services, and social justice. 

Highlights from Julie Mac Donnell’s CND 25 Participation

Julie Mac Donnell had a dynamic and influential presence at the 68th Congress for Narcotic Drugs (CND). She delivered key presentations, including a panel for the POS Foundation on women’s exploitation and incarceration, and another for UNODC France titled “From Enforcement to Empowerment,” sharing her experience of law enforcement reform. Julie also presented alongside Norway and Kenya on gender and drug policy’s impact on HIV, underlining her advocacy expertise.

Her active involvement extended to engaging with traditional leaders, contributing to the IDPC Friends of Harm Reduction meeting, and attending key sessions led by Angela on gender inequality and hepatitis. Collaborative interactions were central to Julie’s congress experience—she worked closely with The EJF to discuss advocacy grants, met with Monica from UNODC about future consulting opportunities, and networked with the Norway Region Representative to explore mutual drug policy learning platforms.
​
She also participated in the African Union’s civil society and harm reduction events and held discussions with the South African delegation and Ambassador to Austria. Widespread concern over US funding cuts, such as PEPFAR, was a central theme. Julie’s time at CND 25 was marked by valuable exchanges, culminating in the historic approval of Colombia’s proposal to establish a new global drug policy review committee.

​

Klaas Mtshweni Represents South Africa at Africa Drug Policy Advocacy Fellowship

​In March 2025, Klaas Mtshweni joined the Africa Drug Policy Advocacy Fellowship, a programme led by Release, a London-based non-profit. Bringing together advocates from three African countries; the fellowship focused on driving evidence-based drug policy and harm reduction.

Representing South Africa as one of just two selected fellows, Klaas shared his expertise as Skills & Sector Coordinator at the South African Network of People who Use Drugs (SANPUD). He also leveraged his leadership as National Chairperson of the People Who Use Drugs sub-sector, where he coordinates national harm reduction efforts through the South African National AIDS Council Civil Society Forum and initiatives backed by the Global Fund.
​
Klaas’s involvement in the fellowship deepened his dedication to improving health and human rights for people who use drugs in South Africa and across Africa.

SANPUD Champions Global Dialogue on Harm Reduction Funding and Human Rights at HR25

ANPUD champions meaningful conversations that advance human rights, expand access to harm reduction, and secure funding for organisations led by people who use drugs. From April 27 to 30, 2025, Executive Director Angela McBride and Klaas Mtshweni represented SANPUD at the Harm Reduction International Conference (HR25) in Bogotá, Colombia.

Partnering with the Elton John Foundation and Harm Reduction International, SANPUD hosted two key workshops focused on budget advocacy and harm reduction funding. The sessions--The Cost of Complacency: Examining the Global Harm Reduction Funding Crisis and Connecting and Shaping the Conversation: Advocacy for Harm Reduction, featuring examples from South Africa, Indonesia, and Kenya—sparked essential discussions about the urgent need for sustainable financing and comprehensive policy reform in harm reduction.
​
By leading these impactful sessions on a global platform, SANPUD reinforced its dedication to amplifying the voices of people who use drugs. The organisation continues to put funding and human rights at the heart of the harm reduction movement.

​

Charne Roberts championed the SANPUD stories at the Love Alliance End Term Evaluation Workshop

As the 5-year Love Alliance programme concludes, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a comprehensive evaluation, prompting the consortium to partner with consultants from Southern Hemisphere. An End Term Evaluation (ETE) task force—comprising members from AIDSfonds, Thought Leaders, and Grant Makers—guided the process, including a workshop on May 13–14 with participants from SANPUD, Sisonke, UHAI, ISDAO, Galz, GNP+, and AidsFonts. The workshop aimed to orient participants to the ETE, map programme achievements and context, reflect on outcomes within the Theory of Change, and select impactful contribution stories. 
​
Day one began with introductions and agenda setting, followed by mapping programme activities and clarifying roles for the evaluation. Participants also defined the “sphere of control” to understand influence across the consortium and partners. Outcomes were reviewed and mapped, while sessions focused on global, national, and regional change stories. 
On day two, reflections highlighted greater clarity and shared ownership of the evaluation process. Voting on key stories followed, notably including Drug Policy Week for its intersectional focus on drug policy, rights, and health—amplified by SANPUD’s advocacy efforts. Regionally, SANPUD’s role in the “Our Rights, Everyone’s Rights” training supported community-led, rights-based approaches, embodying the Alliance’s impactful legacy.