Nyeleti Light House (NYH), together with its partners, Ikfutsa Lemba and Ikusasalethu Youth Project, hosted a drug abuse community outreach program at Meadowlands Zone 10, Soweto, on March 27.

The programme was designed to bring information to the community and assist those battling with substance addiction in taking a step forward with getting rehabilitated.

With substance abuse remaining a critical public health and social crisis in communities and with prevalence rates among the youth, this was a pivotal session.

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Founder and chairperson of NLH, Zakes Manda, shared that the day was about focusing on the men and boy children in the community.

‘’We are here to support those dealing with addiction. I believe in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and this is us putting that into action.

“We also want to put words into action this time and make an impactful and positive change within our communities,’’ said Manda.

Those battling with substance abuse or addiction attended the event with hopes of changing their lives to forge a better future. IYP offered mobile shower services and offered free haircuts for community members and those who needed the services as well.

Kabelo Modisakeng,who suffers from substance abuse, shared that he started using drugs in 2015 following peer pressure.

‘’I was using crystal meth, and it all started while I was hanging out with friends. I was only experimenting, little did I know that it would become an addiction. It gave me a feeling that I had never experienced, and I felt good.”

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He told Urban News that he decided on rehab because he wants to improve his life and get a job to help his mother. He also added that he has bigger dreams and wants to achieve them.

IL is an NPO that strives to change the dynamics of the community through skills programmes, including social ills that the youth face, such as drug and alcohol addiction.

IYP is an organisation that shelters the homeless who are dealing with addiction and offers different programmes to empower them during their stay.

Nonhlanhla Tshabala, Founder of IL, shared that the collaboration seeks to bring change in communities.

‘’We usually see those suffering from substance abuse saying that they can quit by themselves. We need people with the relevant skills and resources to intervene, and that is why we are here.

“Addiction is taking over our communities. We want to support those affected,’’ said Katlego Mashishi, social auxiliary worker at Ikusasalethu Wembley Homeless Shelter.

A recovering addict, who requested to remain anonymous, shared his journey, encouraging those going to rehab to focus on their vision and what motivated them to take the brave step to be free.