Zumba Youth Fitness Expo hosted by Ministers Fritz & Mbombo

The Western Cape Department of Social Development today held a Zumba Youth Fitness Expo in Elsies River. The event was to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and formed part of our ongoing Youth Month commemorations,

Western Cape Social Development Minister, Albert Fritz, and Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo, joined 60 young people from the community of Elsies river, in a Zumba exercise and dance session.

The event sought to promote a culture of young people taking responsibility for their health, and encouraging them to say no to harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol.

The exercise instructors were from the Department of Health’s WoW! (WesternCape On Wellness) programme. WoW! represents a whole of society approach to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Department of Social Development continues to pursue policies which aim to reduce the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.

The Department allocates a combined R313.3-million to the fight against substance abuse. This figure includes our efforts to tackle drug and alcohol abuse amongst youth at Child & Youth Care Centres (CYCCs).

Our budget also funds a growing network of substance abuse treatment services offered by 36 funded NGO partners, working at 51 sites across the province.

Our message to young people over this Youth Month is simple: Move your body, get fit and healthy, say no to drugs!