Nearly 90% of drug users in Gauteng are young black males
The use of Nyaope continues to pose a problem
Nearly 90% of drug users in Gauteng are black young males under the age of 20.
This is according to Gauteng Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, who warned of increased drug usage among youth in Gauteng.
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Mayathula-Khoza was speaking at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Tuesday during the fifth annual Ke Moja Awards to recognise the 350 best performing life coaches and volunteers who assist school children with drug abuse awareness in schools.
She said 88% of drug users in Gauteng were black young males under the age of 20, following hot on the heels of KZN and the Northern Cape with 98% and 92% respectively.
“The use of Nyaope continues to pose a problem, with four per cent of patients in Gauteng admitting to the use of Nyaope. This is a mixture of low grade heroin and other ingredients smoked with dagga,” Mayathula-Khoza explained.
She added that a demand for drugs could lead to a variety of social ills impacting on the health, behaviour and state of mind of children and youth, placing them at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses later on in life.
