The Tshwane metro signed a pledge of commitment to fight against drug abuse at the Drug and Substance Abuse Symposium on Monday.
Drug abuse remains a challenge in Tshwane; however, health MMC Anniruth Kissoonduth believes the battle can be won if stakeholders work together.
“We cannot fight and win the battle alone, let us stand together in the fight again drug abuse,” said Kissoonduth.
ALSO READ: Teen drug abuse – what signs to look for
The symposium was held under the theme “Own your future, take control, say yes to life” and created the #TshwaneSaysNo2drugs on social media.
Kissoonduth said the purpose of the symposium was to develop a drug master plan for the capital, given the complexity of the drug and substance challenge.
“The City of Tshwane believes such a plan can only be developed through the inclusion of various stakeholders inside and outside government.
“The symposium will allow the City of Tshwane to widely consult all stakeholders on their roles in drug and substance abuse within the boundaries of Tshwane, to identify best practices from all stakeholders, to identify gaps in the current strategies and to generate innovative ways to address the identified gaps,” he said.
According to Kissoonduth, the master plan will link with the metro’s strategic objectives and will ensure shared commitment by all metro departments to the implementation of the plan.
“The City of Tshwane drug master plan will give expression to the city’s commitment towards all its citizens,” he said.
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Kissoonduth said to address the issue of drugs and substance abuse, the metro has partnered with academic institutions for research purposes.
Community and Social Development MMC, Sakkie du Plooy, said out of the conference the metro hopes to find ways to reduce substance use and abuse.
The use drugs can alter a person’s thinking and judgment, leading to health risks, including addiction, drugged driving and infectious disease #TshwaneSaysNo2Drugs
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 3, 2019
Drug use is a complex game of Russian roulette. The signs of abuse may not be immediately apparent and your issues can fly under the radar for weeks, months or even years #TshwaneSaysNo2Drugs
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 3, 2019
Eventually, without notice, an addiction may develop and everything can fall apart. This can make a previously bright future become incredibly hazy #TshwaneSaysNo2Drugs
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 3, 2019
It takes courage to say no, but you can do it! Actually, most teens have made the decision not to use drugs #TshwaneSaysNo2Drugd pic.twitter.com/zUsbZ0NkUP
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 3, 2019
Mr Collen Mpyane from @gpgSocDev: Central Drug Authority talking about the National Policy Framework on Drug & Substance Abuse #TshwaneSaysNo2Drugs pic.twitter.com/QeC0vSmJP9
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) June 3, 2019
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