Residents association teaches community members about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse

In their quest for a safer neighbourhood, Riverside View Residents Association hosted a festive season safety awareness campaign on November 29.

President of Riverside View Residents Association William Aphane said the campaign had its focus on crime prevention tips and alcohol and substance abuse.

He said they invited organisations such as the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) to educate people about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse.

“We hosted this awareness event to share safety tips with our community as we approach the notorious festive season. We know that many people will be travelling to different places to spend quality time with their loved ones. It is also during these times that many people, especially the youngsters find themselves doing nothing and end up doing wrong things such as drinking and doing drugs which at times lead some of them to get involved in criminal activities,” Aphane said.

He said the promotion of sports activities during the festive season can help take young people away from the streets.

“We want to thank Curro School Riverside View for donating much-needed soccer and netball poles for our local boys and girls. Our youngsters were unable to engage in sports activities because they don’t have sports facilities. We also want to thank Sanca for coming on board to educate our community about the danger of alcohol and substance abuse,” he said.