Sanca educates Alex youth about alcohol and drug abuse

Sanca and other stakeholders hold an alcohol and drug awareness campaign at Safe-Hub in Alexandra to warn youngsters about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

John Maluleke, Thabiso Mbandlwa, and Siphiwe Makhothi, some of the youngsters in attendance shared their experiences of the event and what they learned. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) in partnership with other stakeholders held an alcohol and drug awareness event to sensitise the youth of Alexandra to the dangers of substance abuse.

Tebogo Somo, organiser and community worker for Sanca said, “We are approaching Sanca week and we decided to do alcohol and drug abuse awareness here at Totalsports Alex SafeHub just to come and educate our community. To inform them where to find help in terms of our services. We also invited some of the stakeholders like Lifeline, Bokamoso, Masiphephe, the City of Johannesburg, etc to work together as a team.

Sanca teaches the youngsters catchy exercises and songs that they can do at home that are against alcohol and drug abuse. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

“These kinds of events help to spread more awareness because we know Alexandra has this problem. We came here with people who were once addicted to share their testimonies, spread awareness and warn our kids about drugs. Since we recognized that some of the contributing factors of the youth doing drugs are peer pressure, background and fear of failure.”

Sabina Channing from Sanca Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre, one of the stakeholders in attendance said, “We have been invited because we’ve been working with Sanca and we actually trained some of the members. We are honoured to be part of this and to be able to contribute and sensitise people to what drugs are doing to the youth. We are here to educate and empower people.”

Sanca teaches the youngsters catchy exercises and songs they can do at home that are against alcohol and drug abuse. Photo: Alulutho siboma

Somo said they have programmes like Ke Moja at schools around Alexandra which is all about substance abuse awareness. “As the organisation, we are doing our best to try to reduce drugs in Alex and we are condoning a drug-free community. I’m inviting all those who need help to come to get help as soon as possible.’

One of the youngsters in attendance shared his views on what he learnt. “Today we learnt about wellness day, we got educated about how dangerous drugs are to youngsters and their bodies. We were warned not to get onto them because they are addictive,” Thabiso Mbandlwa said.

Aviwe Don, better known as Aviwe The Poet, recites poems that help educate the youngsters about dangers of substance abuse and poverty. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

Siphiwe Makhothi, another youngster, said he would like to warn his peers to not get into drugs and for those who already are addicted, he would like to advise and encourage them that there is still time to stop drugs and rebuild their lives.

Amatshitshi Amahle cultural dance group performs for the audience. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

Tebogo Somo, event organiser and community worker at Sanca, speaks about the aim of their drug and alcohol awareness campaign. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

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