700 human chain march to raise awareness against drugs and gangsterism in Westbury
According to the City of Johannesburg 2017/18 research report, the most abused substances in Region B are alcohol, followed by dagga, nyaope, heroine, mandrax/crack and other inhalants.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, in partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) led a march of 700 in the streets of Westbury.
The march, in a form of a human chain, took place in Westbury in partnership with various civil society organisations, to raise awareness on the scourge of drug abuse and gangsterism as well as strategies the City of Johannesburg has put in place to address this.
To date, the City of Johannesburg has five fully functional and operational substance abuse treatment centres; Tladi, Eldorado Park, Joubert Park, River Park and Golden Harvest. There are plans to open other substance abuse treatment centres – including one in Westbury, and an inpatient facility in Poortjie, South of Johannesburg.
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The running of these centers is in line with the City of Joburg’s Health and Social Development integrated strategy to eradicate substance abuse and other related social ills. R30 million in operational expenditure and R12.5 million in capex has been allocated to the Departments to expand the number of community-based substance abuse treatment centres.
They form part of this administration’s commitment to fighting the scourge of substance abuse that continues to grip communities across Johannesburg.
According to the City of Johannesburg 2017/18 research report, the most abused substances in Region B are alcohol, followed by dagga, nyaope, heroine, mandrax/crack and other inhalants.
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The following free services are on offer at the centres:
– Assessments
– pre-counselling
– detoxification
– social work
– family counselling including group sessions
To provide for an integrated and holistic focus on the wellbeing of communities, ensuring preventative as well as curative health services across all age groups, the City has a 24-hour Substance Abuse Crisis Line called Ithemba, which is situated at 28 Harrison Street, Marshalltown in central Johannesburg.
The toll-free service provides 24-hour access to professional assistance, tele-counselling services, containment of emotions and feelings, referrals to support services and home visits. Residents can call the Ithemba toll free number on: 0800 223 217.
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Addressing the 700-human chain, MMC Phalatse said: “The City is aware of the growing problem of substance abuse, especially by young people.
“In recent weeks we have unfortunately seen numerous media reports on the extent of drug abuse amongst school children which led to a sharp increase of violence on some of the schools.
“It is for this reason that the City has a comprehensive approach to address the range of drug related challenges through implementation of strategic policies, drug abuse/use prevention and management activities.”
The march was followed by a pledge where various stakeholders pledged their support for the campaign. The Westbury substance abuse treatment center is projected to officially open to the public in October 2019.
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