Abstract
Background: Substance misuse is a global issue that remains a significant public health concern. Globally, the alarming increase of people misusing substances demands urgent attention and coordinated efforts to curb the problem. South Africa is not exempt from this crisis; the introduction of different illicit drugs intensifies the challenge of substance misuse. This social pandemic requires collaborative efforts from diverse stakeholders to work together to combat substance misuse. The aim of the study is to explore the importance of stakeholder collaboration in combatting substance misuse within the Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng Province.
Methods: The study used a qualitative research approach, which was exploratory in nature. The researcher collected data from eight participants who work in the field of substance misuse through in-depth interviews. The study was guided by collaboration theory, which served as the foundational framework for its development.
Results: The study indicated that lack of stakeholder collaboration has a negative impact on the effort made by the government to curb the problem of substance misuse. The study revealed that the major issues affecting collaboration include a lack of communication and understanding of responsibilities and insufficient funding. It is further recommended that frequent meetings be introduced to discuss challenges and develop coordinated strategies to address substance misuse.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the study indicated that to fight this social problem, stakeholders need to work together in collaboration. Frequent meetings to discuss challenges should be prioritised, and stakeholders need to work together by building working relationships with everyone in the field of substance misuse.