While various organisations committed their time to uplifting needy communities to commemorate 67 minutes of Mandela Day, the Independent Order of True Templars (IOOTT) focused on feeding drug users and homeless people of Kliptown on July 18.
Many people, mostly drug users, homeless people, street vendors and residents in general joined the queue at Walter Sisulu Square to grab some warm soup, bread and juice.
Public Relations Officer at IOOTT, Nokwazi Magubane said they were not only providing food but their objective was to educate people about drug addiction and recruit individuals that are ready to go to rehab.
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Magubane said they chose Kliptown because they noticed that it is more populated with people who are battling with addiction.
She said they have only recruited six volunteers who committed to go to rehab, while others claimed that they can do it on their own.
“As an NPO we have sponsors and partners like SANCA that assist us.
“Sometimes they would call and inform us that they have space for several people and request us to refer people who want to change their lives. The duration of rehab depends on the type of drugs a person was using,” said Magubane.
She further noted that one of the challenges they encounter as they recruit people is that some of them complain, voicing that even if they go to rehab they do not know where they will return to because they are unwanted at home.
“After rehab, we offer them psychiatric help and fortnight workshops because some of them complain that they have been sexually and physically abused while others say they have been badly treated and bad-mouthed.”
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She said the organisation does not only deal with substance and drug abuse but their radar covers youth development in general.
“Our slogan is ‘A sober youth, a sober nation.’ We target the youth because currently most of them give their lives to drugs and they love night clubs and alcohol.
“We are trying to remove them from the streets and have various activities whereby we attend rally conferences and have fun educating each other,” she concluded.
A group of drug users that agreed to speak on the grounds of anonymity, told Soweto Urban that they appreciate that there are still people who still have the spirit of Ubuntu.
They said they appreciate that there are people who still acknowledge, support and even go the extra mile to help them get back on their feet.
