Govt visits Toekies as the fight against drugs continue
Information was shared on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to get help from the Gauteng Department of Social Development during their visit to Toekomsrus over the weekend.
In order to deal with the increase of illegal drug use, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to roll out Anti-Substance Abuse Awareness Programme across all the five regions.
The programme involves screening of young and old people who are dependent on alcohol and drugs with an aim to assist them kick their dependency.
As part of this drive, the Gauteng Department of Social Development West Region hosted several Anti-Substance Abuse activations in the region last week, the recent one was at Randfontein Secondary School (RSS) in Toekomsrus on Saturday, November 19.
During the engagements with the public, information was shared on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to get help from the department. Members of the community came in numbers to access information.
One such person was 27-year-old Ronian Smuts from Toekomsrus.
“I am a mother of two, I got hooked into drugs two months ago. I smoke dagga and cat. When I heard about a call by the department inviting us to get help, I did not think twice. I told myself that I need to take this opportunity before it’s too late. I am happy that the official from the Gauteng Department of Social Development came to our community, they registered our names into the database for rehabilitation. I want to be a good mother to my kids. I am grateful to the department as they came at the right time before I could get deeper into drugs,” added Smuts.
Meanwhile, Smuts is not alone in her plea for help, as another resident 36-year-old Martin Plaaitjie echoed the same sentiments.
He said he also wants to stop taking drugs and hopes to change his life around.
“I started consuming heroin and crystal meth 11 years ago. I want to stop taking drugs, I have seen some of my peers stealing from their homes to feed the habit. Young women are also in prostitution to have the money for drugs.”
“I want to be rehabilitated so I can fix my life and I am appealing to the department to assist me with skills development after rehabilitation. I would also like to have my own family and show my peers that it is possible to fix your life,” said Plaaitjie.
Meanwhile, the department’s social worker, Vincent Tshabalala said, he was happy with the number of people who were in attendance.
“I am happy with the turnout of the community members. Substance abuse is another pandemic, and it is a serious challenge because it does not only affect the consumer but everyone around them. It is encouraging to see young people determined to change their lives.”
