In KwaThema, they work with the SAPS, EMPD, departments of health, education, community safety, justice and community based organisations.
According to the committee chairperson, Thabang Xaba, the objectives of the structure is to deal with the reduction of demand, supply and harm of substance abuse.
“Demand reduction deals with reducing the need for substances through prevention that includes educating potential users, making the use of substances culturally undesirable and imposing restrictions on the use of substances.
“Supply reduction looks at reducing the quantity of the substance available on the market.
“And harm reduction looks at limiting the damage caused to individuals or communities who have already succumbed to the temptation of substance abuse and this can be achieved by treatment or aftercare and re-integration of substance abusers with the community,” he says.
Xaba adds that they don’t just focus on cases of substance abuse but also look at other issues affecting communities.
“We have programmes in place to assist needy families, assess drug users and also assist teachers wanting to help those on drugs among other things.
“We further have programmes in place where we help addicts with aftercare and have partners with various businesses so that these drug users can prove themselves and gain skill, while they get rehabilitated.
“The three entry points to the programme include the Springs office of the Department of Social Development, Pholosong Hospital and the Skhumbuzo Mtshweni Skills Centre in KwaThema.
