Local organisation conducts drug awareness campaign

Kaqodo organisation recently hosted a drug awareness drive in Zola, where an informative discussion about the dangers of substance abuse was initiated for people are addicted to drugs.

According to the project coordinator, Lisebo Parkies, Kaqodo conducted the drug awareness initiative so as to bring change to the community as well as showing those suffering from drug usage that they are not neglected as they are still valued members of the community.

“We should not wait for the government to do everything for us but instead we should take action in order to bring the change we want to see.

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“We know that not everyone will accept our help, but the fewer we assist the greater impact we bring to the community,” said Parkies.

She added that Kaqodo has partnered with Tshenolo Substance Abuse Service Centre, a centre that provides prominent services during the recovery stage.

They provide treatment that involves counselling by healthcare professionals and a detoxification programme in a hospital or medical facility.

A care giver at Kaqodo, Thobile Tshabalala delivered an informative presentation to the group of drug addicts who took part in the campaign.

During the presentation Tshabalala stated that the majority of South African youth suffers from drug addiction and in most cases the addiction is created by the challenges that they go through in their daily lives leading to their brain cells being badly affected.

“We are here today to raise awareness about the negative impact drugs consumption has to the youth.

“We want to make the public aware of the danger that is caused by drugs and also play a role in helping those affected by this hectic situation,” said Tshabalala.

Tshabalala added that the organisation is ready to work hand in hand with those who are willing to stop using drugs by helping them apply to a rehabilitation institution and also offer them support at all times.

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People who attended the meeting were given a platform to engage with the caregivers and also share the challenges they face in their communities

“I am willing to work with the initiative in order for me to get help because the lifestyle I chose affects my children every day and it’s not nice to be abandoned by your family just because of drugs,” said a drug addict, Simphiwe Ngobese.