Drug awareness hosted to ensure the prevention of future addiction
“Young people can make a difference and take action against drugs and crime.”
This was the message from an awareness campaign hosted by the Nhlosenhle Drug and Substance Abuse Treatment Agency (NDSATA) on April 27 on Thami Mnyele Drive, Thembisa.
Through their awareness drive, the NDSATA pledged to devote more resources to the implementation of anti-substance abuse prevention. The NDSATA project focuses on the welfare of Thembisa’s neighbourhoods, disadvantaged citizens and schools.
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Its aim is to combat drug and substance abuse, which is becoming increasingly common among young people. Programmes provided include prevention services, early intervention services and follow-up services.
Mlungisi Doctor Mkhwanazi, one of the founders, said in the poorest urban areas, the number of young people using drugs and alcohol has increased.
“It is painful to see young people taking drugs and substances. NDSATA came into existence to fight this. From the research we conducted, NDSATA has seen that most of the users need help as they are now out of the system. “They need to be reintegrated into the system. Most of the users are school dropouts, others are unemployed with qualifications. One of the reasons they take drugs is unemployment. “I was born in Thembisa and our community has many young people smoking nyaope, which has destroyed many families, relationships and our youth. “Seeing your brother being beaten up because he stole to get hold of nyaope is painful. That has pushed me to be part of this organisation to bring change and assist our young brothers and sisters,” said Mkhwanazi.
“Before the drug and substance abuse project, I was one of the founders of an agricultural project that operated for two years in Thembisa Ward 4, where about 150 households were employed in the project. “Sharing my skills and knowledge with NDSATA is a great opportunity as the agency focuses on assisting the youth, who I’m passionate about.
“Covid-19 affected many households in Thembisa and unemployment increased. As a result, some households started abusing alcohol. NDSATA assisted with food parcels during level four lockdown in May and June. More than 500 households were assisted with food parcels.”
The organisation initiated programmes to address teenage pregnancy, crime, gender-based violence and bullying. For more information visit the website.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
