BOPHELONG – Drug users are often discriminated against in many communities.
Due to that reason, several organisations dealing with drug users joined arms and marched against discrimination.
Leading the march was Indibano, a community-based group dedicated to supporting those affected by substance abuse together with several other stakeholders.
Marchers proceeded from Lefelong to Joko Tea, where a community dialogue unfolded under a large marquee tent filled with dozens of residents and drug users.
Speaking to Ster on the sidelines of the community engagement, Indibano’s Victim Empowerment project manager Lawrence Sibanda explained: “We’ve realised there is a lot of human rights violation towards people who use drugs, hence we decided to embark on this programme. We invited different stakeholders that we normally work with to assist us in sending a stern message to the community through placards and engaging the community.”
Sibanda said some violations are sparked by crime happening in the community which normally is leveled to the users.
Taking to the podium during the dialogue, different passionate speakers addressed the crowd on the importance of embracing and supporting those struggling with drug addiction.
Sibanda also emphasised the same clarion call, giving feedback on the reception of the talks.
“There are mixed feelings on the message but the community seems to be contributing accordingly, raising issues they are faced with. The most important thing we saw today is that the community is interested in assisting these users and equally fight crime and the stigma,” he said.
Nhlanhla Zwane, a resident who attended the dialogue said: “People are tired of the crimes committed by drug users. We learned a lot today and hope the same effort people are forced to make, is also applied to the users of drugs. Otherwise, we would just be talking and nothing will change.”
