Organisation takes a stand against drugs in CBD
JOHANNESBURG – Shalom House will take their fight against drugs to the heart of the problem this weekend.
Non-profit organisation, Shalom House of Refuge, will take the fight to end substance abuse to various drug hotspots around the Johannesburg central business district this coming weekend.
The organisation will host a prayer session, along with various religious groups, on 2 April from 2.30pm at a building in the inner city as a way to change residents’ perceptions of drug abuse.
Margaret Sikhulu, chief executive officer of Shalom House, explained the reason for targeting the building located between Commissioner and Goud streets and home to around 300 residents. “We chose this particular hotspot because of the large number of substance abusers residing at this place,” she said.
“We [also] chose it because of the number of women and children residing at this unhealthy place, [who are often] victims of abuse.”
She further explained that the hotspot was a drug hell because it attracted drug addicts escaping from abusive relationships and kept them away from their loved ones.
Furthermore, the rife use of drugs often led to diseases spreading since drug users often share the same syringe with other users, resulting in infections being passed on.
“Their mental state is not very stable because they say one thing and do something different from what they say; [these addicts] also display an attitude of hopelessness,” she said.
Sikhulu concluded that the organisation would go beyond just visiting and praying for users, but would also continue servicing the hotspot identified and offer support, encouragement, hospitalisation, counselling and rehabilitation for the addicts.
The Shalom House of Refuge, located in Johannesburg, was established in 2011 as a shelter for abused women and their children.
Details: 011 888 1234.
