POLOKWANE – This is according to the South African National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) in the city.
Sanca shares with Review the enormity of the drug issue in the city.
Sanca administration manager, Amanda Swanepoel says the drugs that young people use differ from time to time, and that there are patterns within specified age groups.
She says these patterns show that in many cases, there are children from as young as eight years old who have been brought in to the Sanca office.
“Children aged between eight and 12 are found to be using drugs like dagga. In the rural areas there have been many cases where nyope has taken over.” Swanepoel says.
She says in the older children, there is an increase in the use of stronger drugs like Khat.
“This is the fastest growing drug and children from the ages of 13 of 14 are brought in with an addiction to the drug. It is also a drug that many adults use and is especially popular in Polokwane and is the fastest growing drug available.”
Swanepoel says she tests as many as eight people a day, many of them children who test positive for drugs.
She says Sanca makes an urgent call to parents to help to get children involved in the fight against drugs.
“Do not be the parent who says that it will not be your child and do not be the parent who says that it is only dagga. It is a drug none the less and it is bad for a child and an adult. People who know of substance abusers should get in touch with organisations such as Sanca as there are well trained people who can help.”Swanepoel says.
Anyone in need of assistance with substance abuse can contact Sanca at (015) 295 3700 or visit their offices at 33 Kerk Street Polokwane. Alternatively, send an e-mail to amanda@fnda.co.za or riette@fnda.co.za or visit https://fnda.co.za.
