Gauteng Government and Soul City launch anti-drug documentary
JOBURG – A 13-part series will focus on substance abuse in South Africa.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Soul City Institute for Social Justice, launched a documentary series, Kick It, which gives insight into the world of substance abuse and looks at the effects at all levels in communities.
Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, as well as TV personality Kabelo Mabalane, launched the 13-part series on 7 November. It is presented by Kabelo Mabalane who is one of the ambassadors of Gauteng City Region Social Movement Against Substance Abuse.
It aims to mobilise communities to join hands with government in upscaling efforts to fight substance abuse. It is part of the Gauteng Social Development Department’s partnership with Soul City to roll out the campaign with the tagline themed ‘Keep it 100’.
“It is intended as a tool to bring to a halt a growing danger that places our society on a path to self-destruction. This war can only be community driven and communities must take charge in tackling this social pathology,” said Mayathula-Khoza.
“Abuse of substances is one of the major challenges South Africa is battling. It is estimated that the annual economic costs associated with alcohol abuse could be between 0,5 per cent and 1,9 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This translates to about R8,7 billion a year, and with the addition of drugs, a conservative figure is about R10-billion a year,” she added
Mayathula-Khoza stressed that alcohol and substance abuse destroys lives, families, communities and our society, and sadly our young are the most vulnerable. She said users of alcohol and illicit drugs are condemned to a life sorrow and pain, their families and communities are, unfortunately, dragged along in this destructive behaviour. The abuse of substances invariably leads to health complications for users and this places them in danger of diseases such as HIV/Aids, cancer, heart disease and psychological disorders.
The show is aired on SABC2 every Friday evening at 8.30pm.
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