Tembisa South SAPS steps up efforts to fight drug addiction
Drugs are the starting point of many social issues, including abuse against women and children
Tembisa South SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, Community Policing Forum and Youth Desk hosted a Drug Awareness Imbizo at Sam Hlalele Community Hall on July 13.
The event was attended by different stakeholders, including Maskandi Musicians Mfanelo UmphenyiBheshu, Finhla Zondo and religious organisations. The police organised for drug addicts to attend the seven-hour event.
Tembisa South SAPS Sgt Nonjabulo Mogale said they had different stakeholders exhibiting their services and sharing information with the community.
“This initiative was to bring the youth closer to the police, find solutions to drug abuse and hear testimonies from former users as to how they won against our common enemy (drugs),” said Mogale.
Tembisa Child and Family Welfare Society social worker Moloko Lebogo said they were invited to raise awareness of their services so families can get proper services, even for addicts.
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“We try to prevent others from joining the drug environment and are taught how to handle addicts after rehab,” said Moloko.
“We have community outreach programmes where we teach a number of community members how to bake and knit so they can have a source of income,” added Moloko.
Lerato Mashiane, coordinator of Makhukhanye Alcohol and Drug Centre, said they operate in Tembisa and Kempton Park, helping people who are addicted to drugs.
“We have had talks at schools. We also offer inpatient rehab for six weeks and aftercare programmes when the former addicts leave the rehabilitation centres,” said Mashiane.
Connie Dlamini, a social auxiliary worker for People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), said they are based at the Ethafeni Multi-Skill Centre where they offer a variety of programmes for abused children and women.
“Drugs are the starting point of many social issues, including abuse against women and children. At POWA, we have different departments which deal with abuse.
“We have the legal department which advocates for women for free in case they are in need of a lawyer. We have the shelter department where we take you through procedures and find you a safe place to stay temporarily, and we provide counselling and equip you with skills for the duration of your stay,” said Dlamini.
Mfanelo UmphenyiBheshu Maskandi Musician said as musicians they are able to communicate with the masses way better than most stakeholders.
“Our message spreads quick, so we are able to tell stories of the communities and address issues affecting our people better,” said UmphenyiBheshu.
“The song I played is track seven from the album Enough is Enough, titled Khuzeka Mshana, it is all about an uncle warning his niece about the dangers of alcohol,” added UmphenyiBheshu.
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