The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is deeply concerned about the use of "tik" among learners in the province.

We are working closely with other agencies on our approach to the problem, including the police, Social Services, Health, and NGOs, among others.

The manager of the WCED’s Safe Schools Division represents the department on the new steering committee of the Western Cape Drug and Alcohol Abuse Forum.

Our Safe Schools facilitators at our Education Management and Development Centres in all districts are currently organising tik awareness programmes in our schools.

The Safe Schools Call Centre provides a point of contact for learners needing advice and assistant on dealing with the problem. The Call Centre number is 0800-45-46-47.

Meanwhile, the WCED’s Specialised Education Support Services provides counseling where necessary, and is training support staff in our Education Management and Development Centres in each district on how to deal with drug abuse as part of the department’s broader Positive Behaviour Strategy.

Our Life Orientation curriculum includes education on alcohol and drug abuse. For example, learners should be able to make informed decisions regarding personal, community and environmental health.

The curriculum deals with issues appropriately for each grade. Grade 9 learners, for example, are encouraged to investigates personal and social factors that contribute to substance abuse and suggests appropriate responses and rehabilitation options.

The WCED also encourages schools to deal with the issue of substance abuse in their codes of conduct and to apply national policy on drug abuse.

The national policy clearly states clearly that drug and other illegal substances are unacceptable and proposes firm action, including suspension and expulsion, where necessary.

The policy also recognises that substance abuse is a complex problem, and interventions must be related to the particular context. In all cases, the policy encourages a supportive response, aimed at correcting the problem.

Random drug testing and searches are prohibited, and should only be conducted where a reasonable basis exists for these. In all cases, parents must be involved as soon as possible.