Regular meetings will take place in Standerton for those struggling with substance abuse i

A regular meeting place for those struggling with substance abuse, was decided on at a meeting at the Thusong Centre on Wednesday, October 28.

Stakeholders such as the Mpumalanga Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Marc), SAVF, Tutela, Lekwa Football Association and concerned community members were present to give feedback on progress since last month’s meeting.

Although the Department of Social Development indicated they will send representatives, no one arrived.

Mr Barry van Rensburg of Marc shared his vision of a local steering committee to tackle all forms of substance abuse.

“There are qualified social workers to deal with the problem and rehabilitation can be organised,” Mr Van Rensburg said.

He explained the government’s position when dealing with addicts.

“If you don’t have a physical address to return to after rehabilitation, they can’t help you,” he also said.

The woman responsible for drawing more attention to the addiction problem in town, Ms Jabu Maseko, was asked whether the meeting should be postponed due to the number of people who attended.

The point turned out to be moot since more people joined later on.

Some lateral thinking also took place when the centre was fully booked and chairs were carried outside, in true African style.

Mr Hellen Marima, social worker at the SAVF, pointed out that their schedule in December is full with a number of functions and suggested January 2022.

Ms Pumi Nkosi, social worker at Tutela, agreed.

A parent spoke about a family member’s problem and Ms Marima explained that not only should rehabilitation work for the family, it should also work for the person involved.

“I understand the pain a parent feels when someone is using drugs,” she added.

“The person needs to agree to stop using drugs.”

Mr Van Rensburg gave a reality check, saying rehabilitation does not happen overnight.

“It does not mean that parents have to turn a blind eye to someone struggling with substance abuse.

“Make use of social workers in the community.”

An international standard test is done before someone is admitted to a rehabilitation centre in the country.

The aim is to establish whether the person is ready for rehab.

Mr Phineas Mokoka of Marc gave attendees the opportunity to contribute to the discussion.

Sasol has been funding Marc with this project and the money runs out at the end of December.

Mr Van Rensburg, who is in private practice, said he will be available, if needed.

“The problem is pivoting around funds,” he also said.

He said the Department of Health has to be roped in since a person has to be detoxified before further action can be taken.

A fixed address furthermore is needed.

“Standerton Hospital has the best detox facility in the province.“

It has a separate lockdown unit.

Contact has to be made with the hospital to join the initiative.

Ms Maseko has been embarking on a door-to-door campaign and also reaches children at schools in Sakhile.

She asked the soccer representative whether she can come and talk to their boys at their matches.

The idea of a support group that meets weekly will be open to the whole community.

“People should feel free to discuss their problems,” Ms Maseko said.

“With information being shared, a person can develop a willingness to go for rehab,” Mr Mokoka said.

Ms Marima suggested an awareness campaign in the form of a walk.

Mr Van Rensburg commented that the group will also inform the community on services available.

The support group will meet every Wednesday at 10:00, come rain or shine, at the Thusong Centre in Sakhile.

The big cities across the world also have their weekly AA-meetings at a certain venue.

For assistance, the SAVF can be contacted on 017 712 5031 and Tutela on 017 712 7110.