BUILDING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, ONE LIFE AT A TIME

​Our Story

For more than 65 years, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) has stood at the forefront of the fight against substance abuse. Established to respond to the growing challenges of alcohol and drug dependence, SANCA has evolved into a truly national organisation — leading prevention, treatment, research, and advocacy efforts across South Africa. Through a network of local societies and partners, we reach into communities large and small, working every day to reduce the human and social cost of addiction.

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At the heart of SANCA’s work is a belief that addiction is not a moral failing but a health and social issue that demands compassion, understanding, and professional care. Our programmes focus on preventing substance use before it starts, supporting individuals and families in recovery, and building stronger, more resilient communities. We engage schools, workplaces, and communities through awareness campaigns, training, and prevention initiatives, while ensuring that those in need have access to effective treatment and aftercare.

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Our values — compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and accountability — guide everything we do. We believe that every person has the potential to recover and live a fulfilling life free from substance dependence. SANCA works tirelessly to reduce stigma, promote evidence-based approaches, and advocate for systems that treat people with dignity and respect. We also recognise that addressing addiction requires collaboration — between government, civil society, and communities — and we act as a bridge between these partners.

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As a national coordinating body, SANCA provides leadership, training, research, and policy guidance to its member organisations across South Africa. Each local SANCA society operates independently but under shared national standards and principles, ensuring quality and consistency in prevention, treatment, and community outreach. SANCA National supports these societies with capacity building, advocacy, and fundraising, strengthening the collective impact of the SANCA movement nationwide.

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Our aim is simple but profound: to create a South Africa where fewer people fall into the cycle of addiction, and more people find the support they need to rebuild their lives. Every campaign we run, every person we treat, and every partnership we build brings us closer to that vision. Together, with the support of communities, donors, and partners, SANCA continues to bring hope, healing, and change to the lives of South Africans affected by substance abuse.