Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community health education by equipping young learners with knowledge to make informed decisions about substance use during a Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign at Tsitsing Primary School in Rustenburg, North West.
Held in strategic collaboration with the Office of Kgosana Koketso Rakhudu – Kgotla Ya Rakhudu Tsitsing, the campaign targeted Grade 6 and 7 learners under the theme, “Empowering Young Minds, Choosing a Better Future”. The initiative carried the clear message: “Say No Today and Choose Life Forever.”
The campaign sought to raise awareness of the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse while encouraging learners to protect their health, education and future aspirations. It was facilitated by a multidisciplinary team comprising Paballo Maledu, Community Health Interventions Manager at the Office of Kgosana Koketso Rakhudu; Dr Evah Molapisi, Physiotherapy Lecturer at SMU; and Lebogang Lefine, Lecturer and Occupational Therapist at SMU.
Dr Molapisi stressed the importance of engaging young people before harmful behaviours become established. “Early intervention is critical when addressing substance abuse among young people. By engaging learners while they are still developing their identities, values and decision-making skills, we have an opportunity to equip them with knowledge that can influence the choices they make throughout their lives,” she said.
She added that health sciences professionals have a responsibility to take health education beyond the university and clinical environment and directly into communities.
The programme addressed the risks associated with substances including alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, vapes, hubbly bubbly and other drugs. Learners were encouraged to consider how substance use could affect their everyday functioning, relationships, education and participation in recreational activities.
Lefine said empowering learners with accurate information was essential to building healthier communities. “Young people need to understand that their choices today can have a lasting impact on their health, education, relationships and future aspirations,” she said. “Through this programme, we wanted to create an environment where learners could ask questions, understand the consequences of substance use and recognise that they have the power to make healthier choices.”
The occupational therapy component focused on how substance use can interfere with learners’ participation in meaningful daily activities, social interaction, education and recreation. The physiotherapy component highlighted the potential impact on physical function, including breathing, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, balance, reaction time, energy levels and recovery after physical activity.
Learners were encouraged to reflect on activities they enjoy, including soccer, netball, running, dancing, cycling, swimming and playing with friends. The message was direct: “Your body is your greatest tool for movement, play and sport. Protect it.”
The partnership demonstrates the value of taking SMU’s health sciences expertise into communities to address health challenges through education and prevention. By engaging learners at an early stage, the initiative supports the development of an informed and resilient generation capable of making healthier choices.
Through community engagement initiatives such as this campaign, SMU continues to advance its mission of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while contributing to the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.
By Dimakatso Modise
