Projects

Lesedi Solar Park Trust

SANCA National, in partnership with the Lesedi Solar Park Trust, the Rural Development Support Programme (RDSP), and the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA), continues to strengthen communities across the Northern Cape through impactful substance abuse prevention and community empowerment initiatives.

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As part of a long-term regional harm reduction strategy, more than 60 community workers and professionals from Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Lime Acres, Skeyfontein, and Groenwater successfully completed accredited training programmes focused on substance use prevention, early intervention, and community support services.

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The initiative formed part of the global commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, under the theme: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.” Graduates were recognised during a special Awards and Graduation Ceremony hosted at LA Diamond Lodge and Safari in Lime Acres.

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This programme reflects SANCA National’s commitment to building safer, healthier communities by equipping local leaders and residents with practical skills, knowledge, and support systems to address the challenges of substance abuse within their own environments. By investing in community-based prevention, skills development, mental wellness, and ongoing support structures, the initiative empowers communities to lead sustainable change from within.

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Many of the graduates are already serving as trusted support figures within their communities, helping individuals and families affected by substance use while promoting awareness, resilience, and hope. The programme also creates opportunities for local leadership development and strengthens the social fabric needed to build long-term community wellbeing.

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The event included certificate presentations, recognition awards, personal testimonies from graduates and families, progress updates on the regional harm reduction strategy, and keynote addresses from local government representatives, community leaders, and partner organisations.

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Through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based prevention strategies, SANCA National continues to champion a future where communities are empowered, families are supported, and individuals are given the opportunity to thrive free from the harms of substance abuse.

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I CAN Project

The SANCA National I CAN Prevention Programme is a comprehensive, community-focused early intervention initiative designed to empower young people, families, educators, and communities to prevent and address substance use before it develops into long-term dependency. Through evidence-based education, early identification, mentorship, and community collaboration, the programme promotes healthier lifestyles and stronger support systems within schools and communities.

The I CAN Early Intervention Programme works directly with learners identified by participating schools as being at risk or having experimented with alcohol, tobacco, or other substances. Learners participate in a structured 10-session behaviour change programme focused on building resilience, improving decision-making skills, increasing self-awareness, and encouraging positive lifestyle choices. Progress and programme impact are measured through pre- and post-assessments, while learner workbooks and take-home activities help reinforce learning and encourage continued reflection outside of the sessions.

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As part of the Together We Can component, learners also receive individual support sessions with qualified social workers to provide deeper personal guidance, emotional support, and early intervention where needed. Participants who successfully complete the programme are awarded certificates recognising their commitment to a substance-free future and positive personal growth.

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Recognising the critical role families play in prevention and recovery, the We Can Parent and Caregiver Workshops equip parents with practical knowledge about substance use, communication strategies, and ways to support children who may be vulnerable to substance-related challenges. These workshops help strengthen family relationships, improve communication, and create supportive home environments that promote prevention and early intervention.

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The We Educate Teacher Workshops provide educators with evidence-based information on substance use and prevention strategies within the school environment. Teachers are trained to identify early warning signs, respond appropriately to learners in need of support, and make informed referrals for treatment and intervention services where necessary. The workshops also encourage the integration of prevention-focused conversations and life skills into everyday classroom engagement.

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The programme culminates in the We Care Mass Prevention Day, a collaborative community event that brings together learners, schools, parents, local stakeholders, and community organisations in a united stand against substance abuse. Through interactive presentations, learner testimonials, awareness activities, and community dialogue, the event promotes prevention, resilience, and collective responsibility. SANCA National facilitates engaging sessions such as “You Can Do It!”, focusing on risk reduction, protective factors, and empowering communities to create safer, drug-free environments for young people.

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Through programmes such as I CAN, SANCA National continues to lead evidence-based prevention and early intervention initiatives that strengthen individuals, families, schools, and communities across South Africa.

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Bornservant Mentorship

Bornservant Community-Based Centre in Sharpeville, Gauteng, recently participated in the SANCA National Mentorship Programme funded by the National Department of Social Development.

The programme forms part of SANCA National’s commitment to strengthening community-based organisations through mentorship, governance support, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving substance abuse prevention and support services across South Africa.

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As part of the programme, SANCA National mentor Mrs Adrie Vermeulen facilitated an interactive “All-Hands-on-Deck” Governance Training Workshop with the centre manager and eight board members on 5 July 2025.

Using the metaphor of a ship navigating challenging waters, the workshop explored the distinct leadership roles of management and board members while promoting accountability, teamwork, and effective governance practices.

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The engaging and practical training approach resulted in a measurable increase in participant knowledge and understanding, with assessment scores improving from 69% to 84%.

Through initiatives such as these, SANCA National continues to empower local organisations with the skills, leadership, and support needed to create stronger communities and more sustainable substance abuse intervention services.

Mentorship Programme

National DSD & SANCA National Mentorship Initiative

SANCA National proudly serves as the implementing partner for the National Department of Social Development (DSD) Mentorship Initiative, a national capacity-building programme designed to strengthen aftercare and reintegration services for individuals affected by substance use disorders across South Africa.

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The initiative supports 18 emerging community-based organisations operating across all nine provinces, equipping them with the skills, systems, and professional support needed to become sustainable, compliant, and impactful service providers within their communities. Through mentorship, governance support, operational guidance, and evidence-based training, SANCA National is helping organisations bridge the gap between community passion and professional excellence.

At the heart of the project is SANCA National’s commitment to building resilient organisations capable of delivering high-quality aftercare and reintegration services that support long-term recovery and community wellbeing. Each participating organisation undergoes a structured mentorship process where operational strengths and challenges are identified, tailored improvement plans are developed, and ongoing support is provided to strengthen organisational effectiveness and service delivery.

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The programme delivers a comprehensive capacity-building curriculum for management boards, centre managers, and frontline staff through interactive workshops, webinars, site visits, and practical mentorship sessions. Training areas include governance and financial accountability through the “All Hands on Deck” programme, strategic planning, human resource management, fundraising, financial management, staff wellness, facilitation skills, and compliance with NPO and substance use disorder service requirements.

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Specialised evidence-based interventions such as the “Ripples” and “Time Aftercare” programmes are also integrated into the initiative to strengthen aftercare and relapse prevention support for both adults and adolescents. The project further promotes staff wellbeing through self-care and debriefing workshops aimed at supporting frontline workers operating within high-pressure environments.

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To ensure accountability, sustainability, and measurable impact, SANCA National utilises a dual monitoring and evaluation approach. Participating organisations make use of an online tracking and submission system to monitor progress, upload documentation, and receive real-time mentorship support, while regular on-site visits provide hands-on operational guidance and practical assistance to centre managers and leadership teams.

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The initiative also prioritises collaboration with Provincial Departments of Social Development, ensuring transparent communication and coordinated support for organisations within each province. Through this partnership-driven approach, SANCA National continues to strengthen community-based substance abuse services, empower local organisations, and build sustainable support systems that contribute to healthier, safer, and more resilient communities across South Africa.

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Building resilient organisations today for a drug-free tomorrow.

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