Social workers tackle substance abuse in communities

Substance abuse awareness campaign raises awareness of the harmful effects of drugs.

September 22, 2021

Ntombikayise Sibeko 1 minute read

Boksburg social workers and members of the African Youth Development Fund attended the substance abuse awareness event held on September 17. They are (from left) Tshidiso Klaas, Denise Tshwane, Thembi Skosana, Millicent Tshisele, Lebohang Ratau and Sindi Majola.

Social workers from the Department of Social Development (Boksburg branch) held an informative substance abuse awareness campaign on September 17 at the Ramaphosa football ground.

This was to highlight the impact of alcohol and substance abuse in communities.

Working together with the Reiger Park SAPS and members of the African Youth Development Fund, the event attracted young and old people.

Facilitating the event, social worker Millicent Tshisele said the awareness campaign aimed to educate the community about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.

Kgothatso Semono from African Youth Development Fund was the MC during the event.

“We have received lots of cases of substance abuse from Ramaphosa where victims are violated by users who are mostly family members.
“As a department, we are here to encourage substance users to get treatment so that they can recover and be better people in the society and in their families.”

Tshisele said through the campaign, they wanted to expose their services to the community because they’ve noticed that some members of the community aren’t aware of what they offer.

During the event, social worker Denise Tshwane spoke about some of the services rendered by the department.

Denise Tshwane urged people to make use of the services rendered by the Department of Social Development.

“The department has voluntary admission and involuntary admissions for substance abuse users. Voluntary admission is when someone admits that they have a problem and we then do an assessment before taking them to treatment centres. Involuntary admissions are for users who don’t want to go to rehab centres. They are somewhat violent as they cause conflict within their communities and homes. So when the complainant comes to us seeking intervention, we then open a case at the courts and the court will give out a warrant of arrest and the user will be forced to go to a rehab centre and receive help.”

Tshwane further said that usually, substance users stay at treatment centres for six weeks.

She highlighted that the department has a HubbWay House where they teach substance users who have Grade 10 skills after they’ve completed their recovery treatment.

If you know of someone who is struggling with drugs who needs help, you may contact the social workers on 011 306 5357.