BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Behind every young person battling substance abuse is a family searching for answers, a teacher trying to protect learners and a community hoping to see its children grow into healthy and productive citizens.
As the challenge of drug abuse continues to affect young people across Eswatini, the Association of Students Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking (SADAT) has called for a united national response, urging parents, schools, communities, churches and policymakers to work together to protect the country’s youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
It is against this backdrop that SADAT is intensifying its efforts to promote prevention, counselling and education, while encouraging society to move from simply raising awareness to taking practical action that addresses the realities faced by young people.
Speaking on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show on July 20, 2026, Reverend Peter Ssemwogerere-Mugalu, SADAT Coordinator, said the fight against drug abuse requires a collective commitment from all sectors of society.
Ssemwogerere-Mugalu said no single organisation can overcome the challenge alone, adding that parents, schools, government institutions, communities and faith-based organisations all have an important role to play in creating safer environments for young people.
“Drug abuse is not a problem that can be solved by one organisation alone. It requires parents, schools, communities and government structures to come together and protect our young people,” said Ssemwogerere-Mugalu.
He explained that SADAT’s journey began nearly three decades ago after concerned students and educators identified the growing impact of drug use among learners.
The organisation was established on July 12, 1998, following a resolution by learners from Evelyn Baring High School in Nhlangano, Mhlume High School and St. Mark’s High School, together with a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) Eswatini Country Office, to create a national student organisation dedicated to fighting drug abuse.
SADAT was officially registered as an association in 2000 and has since evolved from a student-led movement into a professional organisation providing counselling, addiction support, youth training, crisis management, mobilisation and motivational programmes.
The organisation operates from its branches and affiliated spaces, including Sandlane Street in Manzini and the Africa Centre for Sustainable Development (ACSD) in Mbabane, where it continues to assist young people and families affected by substance abuse.
Ssemwogerere-Mugalu said SADAT has adapted its approach over the years, moving from a purely volunteer-based structure to a professional model that includes trained addiction professionals who provide structured support services.
He said this transformation was necessary because the drug environment has become more complex, requiring specialised interventions.
According to Ssemwogerere-Mugalu, the substances most commonly used among young people in Eswatini include tobacco, alcohol and marijuana (insangu), although the leading substance changes depending on emerging trends.
He expressed concern that children as young as 10 years old, including those in Grade Four, are increasingly becoming targets of the drug industry.
He added that most families seeking help from SADAT involve teenagers aged between 16 and 18 years, with boys making up the majority of cases.
To reach vulnerable young people, SADAT continues to use peer-to-peer outreach, training students to engage their fellow learners, identify warning signs and encourage those struggling with substance abuse to seek professional assistance.
Ssemwogerere-Mugalu said many parents are referred to SADAT through the Ministry of Health, radio programmes, online platforms and sometimes law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the importance of accessible support services.
He also emphasised the role of schools in prevention, describing principals as key partners who can help establish and strengthen school-based anti-drug clubs.
However, Ssemwogerere-Mugalu warned that simply relocating a child or transferring them to another school does not solve substance abuse challenges.
“Moving a child from one school to another or from one community to another does not address the root cause. Without proper intervention, the problem may continue or even spread to a new environment,” he said.
SADAT is also advocating for stronger tobacco control through a national campaign promoting the Tobacco and Related Products Control Bill of 2025, which runs until March 2027.
Ssemwogerere-Mugalu said the legislation is important in addressing emerging threats such as vaping and electronic cigarettes, which are increasingly attracting young users.
He warned that some vaping devices are designed to resemble everyday objects, making them difficult for parents and teachers to identify.
He further highlighted the financial burden caused by tobacco-related illnesses, noting that a 2019 survey estimated that Eswatini spends approximately E684 million annually treating health problems linked to tobacco use, compared to about E200 million generated by the tobacco industry.
Despite its efforts, Ssemwogerere-Mugalu said funding remains one of SADAT’s biggest challenges, particularly in expanding rehabilitation and cessation services.
He encouraged families to strengthen relationships with children, saying supportive parenting plays a major role in helping young people resist peer pressure.
He said building self-esteem, creating safe environments and providing accurate information are essential in preventing substance abuse.
Ssemwogerere-Mugalu called for more interactive education programmes where young people can engage in smaller groups and receive guidance from trained professionals.
He said through stronger partnerships, effective policies and community involvement, Eswatini can build a future where young people are empowered to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers of substance abuse.
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(Courtesy Pic)
