Sir – The IFP expresses its grave concern regarding drug abuse by the youth in South Africa, saying it can lead to an unproductive society if this vice is not instantly corrected. A new drug craze called Xanax is sweeping through schools in KwaZulu-Natal and has teachers, principals and parents at their wits’ end.
We are on the verge of losing this generation to drug abuse. However, our policymakers are fighting it with rhetoric. Our young democracy is threatened if we don’t wake up now and do something drastic about this menace.
Drug and substance abuse in South Africa is a menace that continues to wreak havoc and elicit concern from parents, authorities and non-governmental bodies. It is an escalating challenge that is generally recognised as one with the potential to impact negatively on people’s health, as well as cultural, social and economic welfare.
The IFP believes a serious and comprehensive drug abuse education programme should form a major part of our school curriculum. As a solution, the over 4 000 social workers who are unemployed can be deployed to schools and drug-abuse hot-spots in our province and our country. Social workers are able to work together with teachers and parents in schools to assist with learners struggling to cope.
To protect citizens, there is a need to implement public policies that provide information on the serious effects of the consumption of any prescribed drug.
The IFP is also concerned about drug peddling hot-spots which include food kiosks, parks, liquor outlets, streets parties and homes. Furthermore, some law enforcement agencies have shown laxity and are complicit or have simply turned a blind eye to drug dealing activities happening right under their noses.
The IFP says investing in treatment services and rehabilitation to reduce drug misuse and dependency will not only help to save lives, but will also substantially reduce the economic and social costs of drug-related issues.
Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP)
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