Long jump star Luvo Manyonga has been banned for 18 months after testing positive for the drug methamphetamine, commonly known as tik.

The SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport said yesterday that the 21-year-old athlete from Mbekweni, Cape Town, was tested during the National Championships series in Stellenbosch three months ago.

Because of the ban, imposed on Sunday, he will not be able to compete nationally or internationally until September next year.

Manyonga has qualified once in the two SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee-required standards for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"We know Western Cape has huge social problems stemming from the scourge of tik use," said institute CEO Khalid Galant.

"Unfortunately, Luvo fell prey to the negative influences in his community around illicit drug use. He is participating in drug rehabilitation to get his life and athletic career back on track."

Manyonga faced a two-year ban.

"However, due to mitigating circumstances, the tribunal felt it appropriate to reduce his sanction by six months," Galant said

Manyonga is a former world Junior World Championship winner.