A stand against drug abuse and GBV

A number of social ills which include drug abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) has become a cause for concern in the Norwood and Orange Grove precincts. Community groups in the affected areas have come together to address these ills through a planned march on 15 November.

Speaking about one of the issues which is the use of a substance commonly called ‘lean’, founder of Khaume Security based in Paterson Park, Simon Ramara explained how the substance has taken over the lives of the youth.

Ramara, who has collected thousands of cough mixture bottles at the park, explained that ‘lean’ is made by combining codeine cough syrup and soda. He said these are normal cough syrups that people buy to relieve their cough symptoms and pharmacies can sell them without a prescription with one purchase per customer.

“The effects that we see are that users get high, tired, loss of appetite as well as vomiting. Our appeal is for parents to come and help us stop this. I have spoken to a few of the producers of these medications and one of them has been to a meeting and given their word to support in the march.

“As soon as we have all the information we will deal with the issue through consultation with the South African pharmaceutical company. This problem does not only affect local areas but all over the country. We appeal to the Department of Health to also play a role.”

Chairperson of Norwood Young Stars Football Club and community leader Venita Masisi appealed to people at large to cease giving money to people who beg at the robots as this also exacerbates the use of drugs because most of the people use the money to feed their drug craving.

“I identified that our community members are mostly unemployed and most work when there are projects. Because of unemployment, we now have people who beg on the street who are not necessarily from the Norwood or Orange Grove community but other areas. Also because of this unemployment and all the underlying problems there is this ill of drug abuse,” said Masisi.

She recommended people help by giving food rather than money. She also added that since she owns a soccer club and a women’s forum, her interest is more on children and women in the community in the fight against gender-based violence.

Norwood police spokesperson Sergeant Eric Masotsha said from the time leading to the march they will partake in campaigns of going to various schools in the precinct to warn learners against the dangers of the codeine substances and also warn pharmacies against selling them to juveniles or schoolchildren.

Norwood Community Police Forum chairperson Colin Wasserfall added that as part of their operations they will join the social crime prevention unit and visit the parks and schools to create awareness.

The march will take place on 15 November at 11am starting at the Paterson Park Bowls Club.

Details: RSVP to Sabina at 074 169 2086 to join in the march.