Campaign highlights the impact drug abuse and GBV in society

Livelihood Horizon celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the community of Soweto at Phefeni Recreational Centre in Orlando West on June 27.

This was done through awareness and open dialogue about drugs and all other forms of substance abuse.

Livelihood Horizon is a non-profit organisation that works with drug users and recovering addicts that is situated in Soweto, Dube Village.

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Matters such as GBV and femicide were discussed in depth, and awareness about drugs and other addictions as well as the root cause of such actions and decisions were also tackled.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMDP), Gauteng Department of Social Development, South African Police Services from Orlando East and various other organisations were part of the day.

Community Safety Brigade representative, Sana Ndlovu spoke about their door-to-door services in communities where they check up on the well-being of residents and raised concerns about challenges they come across when doing such campaigns.

Ndlovu further explained that as a brigade they try by all means to reduce GBV in households.

They also support children who want to go to rehab and they plead with the community to cooperate and support their initiative.

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“We are here to support you as the community in times of need and struggle.

“We support everyone who may be undergoing any court proceeding until justice is served, all we ask from you is the truth of whatever you need assistance with,” said Ndlovu.

Parents of children who are victims of substance abuse were given a platform to share the journey they went through and are currently going through with their addicted or recovering addict children.

Kgotso Molaba a recovering drug addict explained addiction in detail and mentioned that alcohol is the most common drug for his generation and that it is very dangerous and people are unaware.

“Addiction affects everyone. There are different types of addictions which can be gambling addiction, eating addiction, drinking addiction as well as smoking addiction. Addiction is a disease that affects every addict’s mind and physical state,” Molaba said.

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Survivors of GBV were also given a moment to share with the attendees their stories and testimonies on how they survived the trauma after going through abuse.

Gugulethu Tshabangu from Social Development spoke with parents about the importance of encouraging their children every day and how discouraging them can push them in the wrong direction where they can end up using substances to escape rejection from home.

“Children imitate us as adults so we must always make sure that we reprimand them with caution and love. We need to make sure we build them and do not destroy them because charity begins at home, children should get support and confidence at home,” Tshabangu said.