Craig Kotze
VANDERBIJLPARK. – As the festive season approaches – with massively increased abuse of both legal and illegal substances – broader community involvement in fighting addiction is needed more than ever before.
All community sectors should therefore become involved in their Local Drug Action Committees.This appeal was made by Magriet Botha, director of Sancavaal, the leading organisation fighting drug abuse and addiction in Emfuleni townships and suburbs.
“All community sectors must become involved in Local Drug Action Committees – including churches, local government, the SA Police Service, business and schools for us to better meet the challenge posed by drug usage and alcohol abuse,” said Botha.
South Africa is said to have the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world and the impact of both alcohol and drugs is particularly devastating on the economically depressed Vaal region.
Emfuleni stakeholders are already mobilising to plan for the increased drug and alcohol abuse expected over the holiday and festive season towards the end of the year, Vaalweekblad has learnt.* Tshwane City announced last week it had launched a drug helpline after mobilising official and community stakeholders to better provide integrated information and services to the public.
