PAC supports young people struggling with Nyaope addiction
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania in Ward 4 Tembisa, vowed to help young people in Sethokga area who struggle with drug addiction by getting them access to rehabilitation centres. This intervention came about as a result of party members’ concerns about young people being supplied with and abusing drugs. On Sunday, party members visited …
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania in Ward 4 Tembisa, vowed to help young people in Sethokga area who struggle with drug addiction by getting them access to rehabilitation centres.
This intervention came about as a result of party members’ concerns about young people being supplied with and abusing drugs. On Sunday, party members visited Sethokga Park where they interacted with the youth and served them breakfast and lunch.
The party’s spokesperson, Moses Mahlangu, said as servants of the public they cannot sit back and fold their hands and do nothing about drug abuse.
“Drugs are slowly destroying the future generation of our nation. It is about time that these children are housed in rehab centres to help them fight the devil, nyaope, that is tormenting their lives. It pains us as parents to see these children dressed in stinky torn clothing, becoming dark in complexion because of drugs,” he said.
Mahlangu emphasised that they will do research with several rehabilitation centres around Gauteng in order to find places for addicted youths where they can undergo recovery treatment.
“We are working tirelessly to collect donated clothing in and around the Tembisa community so that we can sell them at a lower price to raise funds to feed these young people. We are elated that our very first attempt was successful and we managed to provide meals for the youth,” he said.
“When we look at the social cohesion in our communities, it looks as if nobody cares about these youths. Our aim is to improve unity in the community. A group putting on a united front is more likely to achieve success than an isolated group. This is not about PAC, it is about the future of young people,” explained Mahlangu.
He said they are arranging a vegetable garden – among other projects – to help the youth engage and keep busy.
Lebohang Mokoena (18), who was part of the group, said she only started taking nyaope last year in March and fails to refrain from taking the drug.
“I am so tired of street life. I need help and all the support that I can get to refrain from drugs,” she added.
Meanwhile, Odwa Mgedesi (24) started smoking nyaope in 2008 and also wants to quit taking the drug.
“I want to change who I am today and become a better person,” said Mgedesi.
