Mams, Nellmapius community joins fight against drugs
Research has shown that people, mostly from informal settlements, have limited information thus do not reach out for help.
Mamelodi and Nellmapius residents have once again been warned to beware the many dangers of drugs in their community.
The stakeholder’s “Drugs Must Fall” movement project visited identified hotspots in the informal settlements of Mamelodi and Nellmapius.
Kate Kekana of the movement said this year the project, with the help of Sunbake, was able to give bread to the community with significant information attached to the bread.
She said the information entails the service the movement offers such as how it helps addicts into rehabilitation centres.
“Many people want help but they don’t know where to start and what is needed to get into a rehabilitation centre,” said Kekana.
She said research has shown that people, mostly from informal settlements, have limited information thus do not reach out for help.
The project started on February 14 and will end on March 24.
The movement comprised Thandanani drop inn centre, correctional services, police, CPF and Vhathu Phanda community forum.
Kekana said this year, they went to the old Nellmapius taxi rank, Mams mall and Skierlik and Merry Me informal settlements.
She said research has shown that most of the people in these areas use drugs and have limited information about where to get help.
“The project was a success as our social workers and professionals under the drug and substance abuse unit were actively engaged with the community and managed to talk to 250 people and 30 enquired more about our services,” said Kekana.
“Those who enquired were taken through our one-on-one with our professionals and social workers and got the information they needed. The movement is willing to go as far as it can to help them.
“We are calling on all the communities to take part in the fight against the problem of drugs and substance abuse.”
The project also handed out pamphlets with anti drug abuse information.
Former addicts Kegorapetse Motswenenge and Peter Mamatlhodi also came along to talk to the community about the dangers of using drugs and encouraged the users to quit.
“The pamphlets will help parents pick up on signs of abuse and tips what to do,” she said.
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