60 Minutes and The Cedars target substance abuse
The pandemic, which brought increased economic and health challenges, exacerbated the situation, prompting the need for large-scale intervention.
In its 10th-anniversary production, 60 Minutes Fight Against Drug and Alcohol NPC and The Cedars Treatment Centre will target substances.
Massive inequality, high unemployment, and extreme poverty among South Africa’s youth have converged to create a drug problem that rivals the global average.
The pandemic, which brought increased economic and health challenges, exacerbated the situation, prompting the need for large-scale intervention.
Stellio Coutsides of the Cedars Treatment Centre, a boutique group of addiction and mental health treatment facilities said: “Substance abuse is at an all-time high for different reasons in our society. We want to carry our message of hope to those who need it, and to those who, year in and year out, wait for our production to uplift them during their journey to recovery.”
60 Minutes runs an annual roadshow to empower and educate South African school-going youth about the dangers and dire consequences of drug abuse and guarding against systemic poverty.
For the past nine years, 60 Minutes has enjoyed an impactful partnership with The Cedars whereby in-patients are invited to participate in a short play.
The story follows the experiences of a school-goer who experimented with drugs or alcohol, went through addiction, lost, and found recovery.
“Patients and past patients from The Cedars play an integral role in the roadshow because through them, we get real stories of real people, making it more relatable to our audience,” said Coutsides.
Brighton Hlatshwayo of 60 Minutes said that the roadshow was resumed in 2022 after a two-year break owing to Covid-19.
“The roadshow was impactful as it addressed issues that were relevant to the experiences of the pandemic which directly linked to addiction. Every year, the roadshow sees the team touring six schools. With this being the 10th anniversary, the final rehearsal will include a commemoration of the growth of the show. This will feature special guests, sponsors, previous participants, and recovering addicts from the Cedars who will share their experiences, and how the show has assisted them in the recovery journey,” said Hlatshwayo.
60 Minutes 2023 Roadshow: Final Rehearsal
Date: Saturday, July 22
Venue: Umkomaas Primary School
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Members of the public are invited to this special event. The team encourages those affected by substance abuse.
Monday, July 24- Crawford La Lucia and Crawford North Coast
Tuesday, July 25 – Amanzimtoti High School and Kuswag Skool
Wednesday, July 26 – Queensburgh Girls’ High School and Grosvenor Girls’ High School
For any information regarding the production and events, contact 083 743 3435 or email brighton@lightnessproductions.co.za.
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