Abstract: Submission #111

Abstract The Enyobeni tragedy of June 2022 East Londen, RSA where 21 young people lost their lives in a tavern, offers us a glimpse of the depth of the substance abuse scourge in South Africa, amongst an increasingly younger population. Unfortunately the cost of substance abuse treatment is unaffordable for the communities where it is needed the most; and the relapse rate of persons who completed residential or outpatient treatment programmes are compelling a community based response to both the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Section 5 of the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 provides guidelines in this regard; and the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024 foreground community based treatment as the more sustainable response to substance abuse. This presentation describes the processes followed in a collaboration between Nelson Mandela University Engagement Unit, the Dept of Social Development Professions and The Hope Revolution Vision (THRV) with communities in Gqeberha to establish a community based substance abuse prevention and treatment programme. This collaboration with THRV gives effect to our Universities’ focus to be of service to society, and honours the voices of community as knowledge keepers and multiple stakeholders as equalising partners for impactful change.