Social Development on International Overdose Awareness Day

Department of Social Development calls for stronger prevention, early intervention and community action on International Overdose Awareness Day

The Department of Social Development joins communities across South Africa and the world in commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on 31 August 2026, under the global theme: “25 Years On. Still Needed”.

This year's commemoration is an important reminder that overdose remains a serious challenge affecting individuals, families and communities, and that addressing substance-related harm requires sustained prevention, early intervention, access to appropriate services and the collective efforts of government and society.

The department will mark the day on 31 August 2026 at Galeshewe Recreational Hall in Kimberley, bringing together government stakeholders, communities, young people, service providers and civil society partners to strengthen awareness and promote practical action around substance use and overdose.

The campaign is guided by the message: PREVENT. RECOGNISE. RESPOND. RECOVER.

The Department recognises that substance-use challenges cannot be addressed through awareness campaigns alone. They require a coordinated response that brings together social development, health, law enforcement, education, municipalities, community organisations, families and other stakeholders.

Government's intervention therefore includes efforts aimed at prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial and family support, community mobilisation and referral to appropriate services.

The Department of Social Development plays an important role in strengthening prevention and support interventions, while working with partners across government and civil society to ensure that people and families affected by substance use are not left without assistance.

The national approach also places particular emphasis on young people and communities, recognising that prevention must begin early and that young people need supportive environments, positive alternatives and access to information and services.

Programmes and community interventions involving social workers, community-based organisations, youth initiatives, schools and other stakeholders provide opportunities to identify risks early, support affected individuals and families and connect people to appropriate assistance.

The Department will continue to work with the Department of Health, SAPS, municipalities, educators, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, NGOs and other partners to strengthen an integrated response to substance-related harms.

International Overdose Awareness Day is also an opportunity to address misinformation and stigma. Communities need to understand the risks associated with substance use, recognise potential warning signs and know where to seek professional assistance. At the same time, people affected by substance use must be treated with dignity and compassion.

For this reason, the Department is calling on families, educators, community leaders, young people and community organisations to create spaces where substance-use challenges can be discussed openly and responsibly.

We must move away from judgement and towards support, early intervention and recovery.

Families also have an important role to play. Substance use can have social, emotional and economic consequences that extend beyond the individual. Supporting families, strengthening communication and ensuring that people know where to obtain assistance are therefore essential components of prevention.

What should people do if they are concerned?

Anyone concerned about their own substance use, or that of a family member or someone in their community, is encouraged to seek assistance from appropriate health and social development services rather than attempting to manage serious situations without professional guidance.

People can approach Department of Social Development offices, social workers, relevant health services and other recognised service providers for assistance, assessment, referral and support.

The Department further encourages families and community members to seek professional assistance early, particularly where there are concerns about escalating substance use, dependence or other substance-related risks.

Information relating to emergency or clinical responses to suspected overdose should be obtained from appropriately qualified health professionals. 

The Department will ensure that public educational material provides verified referral and service information.

As the Department of Social Development commemorates 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Department calls on all sectors of society to take responsibility for building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

We call on parents and caregivers to talk to young people about substance use and its risks.

We call on schools and educators to strengthen prevention and early identification and community as well as Faith-Based Organisations are urged to support families and promote recovery. Young people are encouraged to participate in positive prevention initiatives and to support their peers as government and its partners will continue with the strengthening of coordinated interventions that address not only substance use, but also the social and economic conditions that can increase vulnerability.

The fight against substance-related harm is not the responsibility of one department or one sector. It is a collective responsibility.

The Department therefore encourages communities to use International Overdose Awareness Day not only to remember lives lost, but also to strengthen prevention, encourage people to seek help, and support those on the journey towards recovery.

25 YEARS ON. STILL NEEDED.

Overdose affects individuals, families and communities.

Awareness creates understanding. Understanding strengthens prevention. Prevention can save lives.

Let us replace stigma with support, silence with conversation, and vulnerability with informed action.

PREVENT. RECOGNISE. RESPOND. RECOVER.

Northern Cape Manager: Communication
Cell: 066 393 7165

For assistance and referrals please contact the Department of Social Development on 053 874 9100

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