Drug awareness launched in Princess

The committee invited the Department of Social Development, City of Joburg Libraries, Westview Clinic and the Roodepoort SAPS.

These entities will be working together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse within the community.

The Tshepang Orphanage Centre was full of children, teenagers and adults who were curious to hear what the event was about.

Committee Secretary Kenny Kubelo said this was an opportunity to launch the campaing with relevant stakeholders in attendance.

“We want the rate of drug and substance abuse to decrease, that’s why we have started talking to the youth and showing them the dangers of drugs. Such abuse is affecting the community and its safety so we will be working hard so that people understand what the committee is about and how we will help,” said Kubelo.

Bernice Ditau from the Department of Social Development said a campaign of this nature was needed not only in the informal settlement but the whole of Roodepoort.

“Launching this substance abuse awareness programme is because all wards within Roodepoort are affected by substance abuse. Working in court I have noticed that most substance abusers come from squatter camps. This is why we are launching this drug abuse awareness campaign in Princess. Parents are always complaining about how their children steal in the home to sustain their drug habit so we are here to provide them with information on what to do if their children are addicted to drugs,” she said.

Florida Westview Clinic’s Anthia Barriel was also invited to the event and said the clinic is involved with the community when it comes to drug awareness.

“We want to raise awareness about our clinic because people who find that their family member or friend is a substance abuser don’t know where to turn to. We want to inform them about the different resources available to them and how we are involved within the community,” she said.

Constable Jacqualline Mabasa Roodepoort Police Station also had a chance to speak and told those in attendance that one of the ways to curb drug and substance abuse was to report those who sell them.

“If we keep quiet, we will be in danger because addicts steal our expensive belongings and sell them cheaply. The community never reports dealers out of fear of being targeted but the truth is if they report a drug dealer, they do not have to reveal their identity to us. We need is information so we can investigate,” she said.