For hundreds of Cape Town residents, Friday’s graduation ceremony in Kuils River was about far more than receiving a certificate. It was a moment to celebrate resilience, recovery and the decision to pursue a different path.
A total of 360 participants were recognised for completing various stages of the City’s Matrix® substance use treatment programme during a combined graduation event held as part of Substance Abuse Awareness Month.
The milestone comes as the City’s network of treatment facilities continues to support thousands of residents affected by substance dependency.
According to the City of Cape Town, more than 2 000 people underwent substance use screenings between July 2025 and June 2026, with men accounting for the majority of those seeking assistance.
For many families, addiction remains one of the most challenging social issues facing communities across the metro.
From the Cape Flats to northern suburbs communities, substance abuse continues to affect households, relationships and economic opportunities, making access to support services a critical part of broader community wellbeing.
The graduation ceremony brought together programme participants and their loved ones to acknowledge the work involved in recovery, a process that often extends far beyond treatment sessions.
‘We celebrate with those who had the courage to seek help, and commend them for committing to and completing the programme,’ highlights the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
‘It’s an ongoing journey of recovery for those who made the courageous decision to confront their addiction and had the perseverance to turn their lives around.’
Higham noted that while many residents continue to battle addiction, the graduates demonstrate that recovery is possible when support and commitment come together.
Cape Town’s Matrix® programme has become a longstanding feature of the City’s public health response to substance dependency.
The model combines counselling, recovery groups, relapse prevention support and family education sessions, allowing clients to access treatment at no cost.
The City was among the first local governments to integrate substance use treatment into primary healthcare services, helping make support more accessible to residents who may otherwise struggle to find assistance.
An important recent development has been the expansion of services aimed specifically at adolescents. The youth-focused programme includes structured group sessions and ongoing support, reflecting growing awareness of the need for early intervention.
The City’s eight Matrix® treatment sites are located in Tafelsig, Albow Gardens, Delft South, Khayelitsha Town Two, Manenberg, Parkwood, Eerste River and Kraaifontein.
Methamphetamine, mandrax, alcohol, cannabis and heroin remain among the substances most frequently identified among programme participants.
‘Seeking help is the first step in overcoming addiction, but it is not impossible,’ said Higham.
‘Drug abuse destroys families, lives and communities and breaking free from substance requires a level of strength, humility, and the willingness to ask for help. You will not be alone. We are here to help you fight this battle.’
Residents seeking assistance can access the Matrix® programme free of charge through a professional assessment, counselling services, recovery groups and family support sessions.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook
