Hillbrow Local Drug Action Committee fights drug abuse at the Max Goodman Park in Bez Valley
BEZ VALLEY – Bez Valley residents are taking a stand against drug and alcohol abuse.
The Hillbrow Local Drug Action Committee hosted a drug awareness day at the Max Goodman Park in Bez Valley.
“Drug and alcohol abuse is a challenge in our society and as a community, we need to take a stand,” said Faradiba Morton, Bez Valley community leader.
“Children in our community should be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. My plea has always been to protect the children, I cannot do this alone, but together as a community, we can.”
She added that it was important to show the youth that the community cared about them and is able to provide a safe environment for them to grow and flourish. The event was attended by the South Africa Social Security Agency, the Department of Social Development, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the Metro police, City of Joburg and Ward 118 councillor, Neuren Pietersen.
The Hillbrow Local Drug Action Committee is a community-based which educates the public about the effects of drug abuse.
On the day, the youth were encouraged to speak out about the challenges they faced in life. They were advised that if they were drug users there were organisations that could help them fight their addiction.
“There are organisations that work with the community to help young people and if you have a challenge come to us, we can help. We will also like to call on people who can help our unemployed youth with skills. If you have a skill you can teach the youth, please come and join us and share with our youth,” said Morton.
She added that drug abuse was a community problem. “We should stand together and help one another. Getting rid of drug dealers is our first step and preventing our children from becoming runners for those dealers is the next step.
“Helping our addicted children to get help is a responsibility of every citizen who lives in this community. If you live here and someone is addicted it affects the entire community, even those who do not use drugs.”
Details: Faradiba Morton 074 979 0101, Sanca National 086 147 2622, sancanational@telkomsa.net
Edited by Beryl Knipe
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