Midvaal launches drug committee in action against substance abuse
Reformed substance user Moss Mokwati from Moja Love told the audience about the negative side of substance abuse. He said that he used alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism when things went wrong in his life but the habit almost ruined his life.
MEYERTON – On October 9, Midvaal Local Municipality together with various stakeholders launched the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) as a call to action in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
The launch saw people from all walks of life taking an oath to help in the war against drugs. The multi-sectoral committee includes stakeholders such as government representatives and local NPOs, and community members hoping to make a difference.
The committee will be responsible for developing and monitoring local drug strategies, and will spearhead programmes aimed at preventing substance abuse, facilitating rehabilitation initiatives, and supporting individuals affected by substance dependency.
Reformed substance user Moss Mokwati from Moja Love told the audience about the negative side of substance abuse. He said that he used alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism when things went wrong in his life but the habit almost ruined his life.
“It affected me badly; it affected my family badly. I got arrested for possession of drugs. When I realised that it is not easy to get out of jail as it is to go in, I told myself that I would never do it again.”
Mayor Peter Teixeira said that he has started to notice groups of young people at every corner in Midvaal, engaging in the act of taking drugs. I want to assure the community that we together with the committee and the various stakeholders and we will fight the scourge that faces our young people that are affected.
Teixera called on law enforcement to act and make arrests of people selling drugs in the community. He urged members of the SAPS to utilise information given to them by members of the community. He highlighted that most drug dealers are known in the community. He further highlighted the issue of skills development, stating that this can be one of the things that can be used to get young people off the streets in exchange to acquire a skill that will help in future.
Various speakers called for imminent action from the community as well various stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and in order to secure a better future for the youth of Midvaal.
