WATCH: La Rochelle Seventh-day Adventist Church hosts community drug awareness programme
Church offers solutions for substance abuse.
La Rochelle Seventh-day Adventist Church organised and hosted a Community Drug Awareness Programme at Pioneer Park on June 14.
Various stakeholders attended the event, including Moffat View SAPS, CPF, JMPD and members of the wider community.
The day began with a march from the church on 6th Street, proceeding all the way to the park.
@southern.courierLa Rochelle Seventh-day Adventist Church organised and hosted a Community Drug Awareness Programme at Pioneer Park on June 14. Various stakeholders attended the event, including Moffat View SAPS, CPF, JMPD and members of the wider community. The day began with a march from the church on 6th Street, proceeding all the way to the park.♬ original sound – Southern Courier
As a church committed to uplifting the community, they recognise the challenges posed by substance abuse in the area. In response, they initiated a programme aimed at educating the community on the harmful effects of drug use and promoting awareness for collective action.
Sithabile Ncube from the church said drugs are widely available in the community, and through this programme they aim to sensitise the youth to the dangers of drugs and drug abuse.
@southern.courierSithabile Ncube from the church said drugs are widely available in the community, and through this programme they aim to sensitise the youth to the dangers of drugs and drug abuse. “We are not only talking about drugs, but also offering solutions for addicts, including support from Khulisa Social Solutions. As a church, we provide spiritual support and prayer, as divine intervention is needed. This is not only for church members but for the entire community, as the church is part of the community,” she said
“We are not only talking about drugs, but also offering solutions for addicts, including support from Khulisa Social Solutions. As a church, we provide spiritual support and prayer, as divine intervention is needed. This is not only for church members but for the entire community, as the church is part of the community,” she said.
Thapelo Masokoane, programme director for the day, testified about drugs and other social ills. He said the root causes of the problem must be addressed to deal effectively with its effects.
He has since written a book, From Prison to Pulpit. When he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, he did not realise this was preparing him to become a preacher, motivational and inspirational speaker. Growing up without a father figure, living in a poverty-stricken household, and turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, he found himself committing crimes of unimaginable proportions, going in and out of prison.
“At 22 years old, I was arrested for murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm at the High Court. I met Christ behind bars.
“Sometimes the problem is not drugs, but the dysfunctional homes we come from. Today, many households are led by single parents. People look for coping mechanisms and hence turn to drugs. These are not excuses, but contributing factors. I smoked different kinds of drugs myself before,” he said.
Captain Yunus Mehtar emphasised that discipline at home is crucial. “It starts at home because once you are disciplined there, the streets become easier to handle. You must love and respect your parents. Nightlife is not good, and I urge all children to heed that advice. There are kidnappings and murders in this area. We need everyone to be our eyes and ears. We must build friendships within the community because crime wants to divide us,” he said.
Noluthanda Makhathini from Khulisa Social Solutions spoke about drugs and the help they offer. She mentioned that they provide a safe haven for troubled souls in the community.
