WeeklySA_AdminSCOURGE: Out-reach program aims to turn the tide against social malaise that is destroying young lives, leaving their families helpless and in utter despair…
By Thabo Motlhabi
Recovery from addiction is a daily choice to be better than yesterday—the greatest glory in living lies in never failing but rising every day.
This was the message relayed to the community of West Rand township of Kagiso by the Gauteng Department of Social Development officials recently during an Outreach Program for Drug addicts in partnership with stakeholders.
The campaign, hosted at Kagiso Ext 12 Community Hall, involved the MuYo Youth Centre, Makilekgwati a Clinic, West View Clinic, councilors, local police, Department of Home Affairs and SA Social Security Agency.
The aim was to educate and inform the public about the danger of drugs and try to curb their use and distribution within hotspots in the Gauteng communities. Drugs have become a concerning issue in many Gauteng townships over the years, continuing to ravage the lives of youth who seem to have turned to the habit in the absence of jobs.
Drugs have undoubtedly become something of a pandemic, creating an environment of hopelessness among communities, destroying family structures as well. The program was to invite the public and families struggling to deal with addicts, but also to let them know where to turn for help.
Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko said: “We urge young people to embrace a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Youth should be passionate and addicted to living clean; no drugs, no alcohol. Today’s event aims to educate communities about the dangers and challenges posed by substance abuse”.
Mazibuko further stated, “We warned them of the risks associated with experimenting with dagga, which is often seen as a harmless recreational drug”. She explained that regular use of dagga can lead to dependence and act as a gateway to more dangerous substances such as cocaine, nyaope, and crystal meth. She encouraged those struggling with addiction to seek professional help, noting that rehabilitation is an opportunity for individuals to transform their lives for the better.
Community members, together with ward councilors, took part in a march to the homes of suspected druglords to call on them to stop using youth to distribute and sell drugs in the communities as it destroys lives and puts society in danger. They do this with the help of the police and private sector to try to fight this scourge of drugs.
Local councillor Kabelo Mhlophe said, “We usually host youth programs to empower our young people and try to identify their God-given talents and through our skills program place them at the workplace when job opportunities arise. We are concerned as a society about our Youth engaging in this drug movement. We thank the department for bringing such a program to our community to make a difference”
