Sixty-six community workers helping in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse received certificates from the University of the Western Cape on Tuesday April 4 for completing a course on substance abuse. The course, which has been running since 2011, is a partnership between the provincial Department of Social Development and UWC.
“The programme is made up of eight registered short courses, and forms the backbone to helping create greater capacity and skills in the sector. The course is producing substance abuse treatment practitioners in our communities who are better equipped to help users beat addiction,” said Social Development MEC, Albert Fritz.
He said the department had more than doubled its substance abuse budget over the past five years and spent just over R96 million this financial year.