Youth Taking Action Through SANPUD’s Community Networks

As South Africa marks 50 years of Youth Day, emerging leaders across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape are taking steady steps that strengthen their health, confidence and community networks — with SANPUD present beside them.

Across these provinces, young community members with lived experience of drug use are showing that insight, curiosity and initiative can drive meaningful change.

Whether preparing an international conference abstract, engaging with HIV-prevention information or building local advocacy projects, their actions reflect determination and a growing sense of agency.

Emerging Leaders Finding Their Voice

In Durban, a representative from the Siyasonke Youth Forum recently met with SANPUD staff to work through the process of preparing his first INHSU conference abstract.

He reviewed examples, asked targeted questions and set his own deadline for completion.

The online session connected him to national youth structures and gave him a pathway into global advocacy spaces.

His preparation reflects a young leader building confidence in his own voice, with SANPUD offering support only where needed.

Communities Learning Together In Tshwane And Caledon

In hotspots and community spaces in Tshwane and Caledon, local youth participants joined PrEP and PEP information sessions.

They compared what they already knew, corrected misconceptions and helped one another make sense of the material.

These conversations took place in areas where access to accurate health information is often limited.

Their engagement strengthened their HIV-prevention literacy and encouraged continued contact with local health services.

SANPUD staff were present as steady facilitators, responding when asked and creating space for open discussion.

A Durban Initiative Taking Shape

Another example comes from Durban, where a young advocate introduced his developing initiative, Shintsha Mjita, during a meeting with SANPUD’s provincial coordinator.

He outlined plans to partner with a local beverage company and to run awareness activities in schools and community settings.

His first connection with SANPUD came through a TikTok Live session — a moment that opened the door to further support.

His project shows how creativity, personal experience and local insight can combine to build community-driven advocacy.

SANPUD’s role has been to stay close, offering guidance that follows the direction he has already chosen.

Systems Working Beside Youth With Lived Experience

Across all three provinces, SANPUD continues to create opportunities for youth with lived experience of drug use to participate, learn and lead.

These actions support the choices participants are already making and link them to broader harm-reduction systems that recognise their potential.

Looking Ahead

From preparing conference submissions to strengthening HIV-prevention knowledge and building local initiatives, youth involved in SANPUD’s work are shaping their own futures.

Their lived experience does not limit participation — it often becomes the starting point for meaningful change.

As Youth Day is commemorated nationwide, these stories show how insight, initiative and community connection continue to move South Africa forward.