Ward 54 tackles youth substance abuse
Tackling drug addiction and the damaging effects of substance abuse in Suideroord.
SUIDEROORD – The City of Johannesburg in partnership with Region F Ward 54 Mzala Branch have organised an intervention initiative to tackle youth substance abuse.
Both young people and other members of the community are expected to engage officials at the workshop, which is due to take place on April 12 in Suideroord, corner of Columbine Avenue and Potgieter Street at 11:00.
“The City of Joburg will lead discussions through their specialist social workers in dealing with issues of drug and substance abuse,” said Ward 54 Mzala Branch Communications officer Nkululeko Vilakazi.
Non-profit organisations such as SANCA, House of Mercy and Show Me Your Number will be at the workshop to offer advice and support to all attendees, whether they have drug related issues or are affected by substance abuse directly and indirectly.
Ward 54 officials have encouraged the attendance of parents to be involved and show their support at the event on Saturday.
“We fully support this workshop and we have engaged the City of Johannesburg to come with this intervention, because we care about the youth and what affects them. The branch is made up of youth and parents. What we see and observe in our areas requires a head-on frontal attack on drug and substance abuse,” added Vilakazi.
According to Pili Twala-Tau, a member of the ANC Mzala Branch who facilitates social assistance and is also the spouse to Executive Mayor Parks Tau: “We cannot fold our arms and look on while this scourge is ravaging the youth, destroying their bright future before they even start exploring their talents.”
The workshop aims at ensuring that local development is enabling Southern communities to receive services offered and provided by the City.
“Our energy and drive is to see as many young people and their parents attend the workshop as possible, because we care about their welfare. We therefore call on our members and all the people of Ward 54 and surrounding places to come and attend, so that working with the ANC-led local government in Johannesburg we win against drugs and substance abuse,” concluded Vilakazi.
