Community, drug users seek common ground in Umbilo
A drug awareness campaign brings together users, parents and stakeholders to break stigma and promote healthier, safer living.
A brainchild of NPO New Beginnings, the Drugs and Health Awareness Campaign recently gathered users, parents, the community, government officials, SAPS, health practitioners, academics, and faith-based voices.
New Beginnings founder Themba Mthethwa has been at the forefront of homeless and drug users’ rehabilitation campaigns, with emphasis on healthier living.
“The campaign aimed to bring together substance users and the community, to find common ground, and unearth viable interventions. To dismantle the stigma around Pharas [homeless drug addicts]. The ongoing campaign is meant to empower and educate the homeless on proper and alternative means to make money and lead a better life.
“While addicted to drugs, it is possible to live a healthier, cleaner life, without violating the rights of community members, and staying away from crime,” Mthethwa shared.
Parents were also enlightened on how to recognise a child who is falling into drug use, including signs of changing behavior. The campaign further unpacked available assistance for parents and children, including those who have not yet experienced the deadly drugs.
On behalf of the eThekwini Mayor’s Office, Clr Thembelani Shezi admitted that substance abuse is a challenge that significantly affects many communities in eThekwini as the scourge contributes to an increasing crime rate, homelessness and sometimes mental health issues.
“To beat the scourge of substance abuse, we must unite, and work together towards this goal,” he said.
Shezi highlighted one of the City’s interventions to mitigate substance abuse and homelessness, the Sakhithemba transitional shelter currently under construction in Illovo. “To ensure that the Sakhithemba programme is sustainable and impactful, the City intends to facilitate partnerships with non-governmental sectors which are already operating in the space,” he concluded.
The facility will accommodate a maximum of 1000 people, promising to provide social services programmes and psychosocial support such as life skills, counselling, reunification and reintegration, skills development and job readiness training.
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