Addiction scenario in Standerton area can no longer be swept under the carpet

A social worker in a private practice with a wealth of experience at an addiction centre in Mpumalanga, as well as stakeholders and community members, tried to leave no stone unturned about the problem of addiction on Wednesday, 22 September.

The Thusong Centre in Sakhile played host to a meeting the morning.

Mr Barry van Rensburg from Mkhondo (Piet Retief) was contacted by Ms Jabulile Maseko from Sakhile about the need for a cohesive support group for families confronted with addicts.

Mr Van Rensburg set the ball rolling and invited a representative from the departments of health, social development, education and police.

Ms Hellen Marima from the SAVF, Rev Wihahn de Beer from the Dutch Reformed Church, as well as Messrs Juan Nortjé and Sybrand Roodt from Spirit Love Ministries and a representative from the soccer fraternity attended as well.

Mr Phineas Mokoka from Mpumalanga Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Marc), with offices in the province, outlined the purpose of the gathering.

It was clear from the word go that an assessment of resources was of paramount importance.

“The youth in Sakhile has to be offered opportunities to better their lives,” Ms Maseko said.

The absence of adequate sport and recreational activities and lack of money came under the spotlight.

“The problem in Standerton is huge,” Mr Mokoka said.

Mr Van Rensburg spoke eloquently on a thorny subject, saying the dangers of substance abuse have to be told to the world.

Sasol in Secunda has funded a project for Marc to lend assistance.

“One finds many learners at high schools in the province with a fixed pattern of abuse,¨ he said.

“If you really want to make an impressions, don’t soft-soap it.”

The problem of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal drug syndrome was mentioned in the same breath.

“Structured, well-researched information needs to be shared,” he emphasised.

The Standerton Advertiser has given publicity to the drug problem in the past with the endeavours of different locals to curb substance abuse, whether spiritually or ensuring the homeless are fed regularly.

The idea of a local drug action committee was introduced,

“One group can not do everything, it’s near impossible,” Mr Van Rensburg also said.

Despite Marc’s in-patient facility, patients have to be sent home that opens the door for a new set of problems.

“Be realistic, the drug scene has changed completely.

“Don’t be naive either and think it is not happening in your society.”

Attendees then had the chance to speak during a question-and-answer-session.

The lack of communication among the departments and stakeholders where different channels are used, was also alluded to.

A smorgasbord of challenges was vocalised such as lack of knowledge on reporting a drug dealer, the police’s unenviable task of booking drug users for the complainants to withdraw the cases later, parents’ lack of know-how in dealing with an addict both before and after rehabilitation and cultural difficulties.

According to Mr Van Rensburg, the approach in Africa is different from that in Europe.

“Don’t close ranks, those days are over,” he concluded.

Contact 017 200 1119 to speak to Ms Katherine Monadeo or Ms Ntokoza Malinga from the office of the rehabilitation centre.