Tackling substance abuse at its roots
Two high schools from Meadowlands debated against each in an attempt to raise awareness against substance abuse.
Pupils from Kwa-Mahlobo Secondary School and Kelekitso Comprehensive School participated in a debate at the Welfare Centre, Meadowlands Zone Two, on May 28 to raise awareness against substance abuse.
The debate was hosted by Meadowlands Local Drug Action Committee, City of Joburg, Department of Social Development and South African National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence in partnership with JMPD and EMS to curb the rate of school dropouts in the community.
“Based on assessments and cases we work on, we concluded that substance abuse has an effect on the number of pupils who drop out of schools, colleges or universities.
“This debate is part of government’s initiatives for preventative programmes,” said Takalani Thangwana, social worker for COJ’s social development cluster.
The debate formed part of an informative session for attendees and officials from government and organisations who work to decrease the rate of substance usage and dependency in the community.
The motion debated argued that substance abuse is the effect of school dropouts.
Pupils attempted to reason why individuals should refrain from substance usage during the debate.
Synok Matobako, Divisional Chief at Emergency Medical Services said drug and alcohol abuse is the result of many emergency cases they deal with.
“Being under the influence affects your ability to function.
“Drugs or alcohol is taken by individuals but affects the family and citizens as well.
“Substance abuse has a ripple effect,” said Matobako.
