VIDEO: ‘Novel’ approach to fighting drug use in the city

This new approach is yielding positive results.

February 15, 2018

Liam Ngobeni 1 minute read

MMC for Health, Sakkie du Plooy at one of the infamous dwellings where Step Up and COSUP workers go to assist users by offering syringe swaps. Photo: Liam Ngobeni

“It is going to be a long journey, but we are slowly making strides in helping drug users in these areas,” said health MMC Sakkie du Plooy.

ALSO READ: Tshwane intensifies war on drugs

Du Plooy made these remarks during a tour of drug-infested areas such as Marabstad, Brown Street and Melgisedek in the city this week.

He was referring to a community-oriented substance use programmes such as Cosup and Step Up, which have partnered with the metro in recent years.

These programmes are all part of the city’s new “war on drugs” in which R40 million has been allocated to NGOs helping those affected by drug and substance abuse.

The programmes are described as “non-confrontational” and “collaborative”.

ALSO READ: March against crime, drugs and human trafficking in Sunnyside

What it means in practice is these are not rehab centres in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, they offer support to drug addicts in the form of showers, coffee, food and even haircuts. They also offer help and info to addicts.

What makes them unique is that these sites are run by former drug users themselves.

This new approach is yielding positive results.