The Emalahleni South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) had its 51st annual general meeting the past week in its battle against substance abuse and its endeavour to help those suffering at the hands thereof.

The meeting was held at New Life Church.

Those who attended received a word of welcome and a statement of the day’s purpose. Pastor Amos Khumalo proceeded with the reading, corrections, adoption and matters arising from the previous minutes, followed by entertainment.

The chairperson of Sanca Witbank, Pastor Vanzyl Joshua Malumane, gave his report, followed by the financial report presented by Ms Ndaka Muguti.

The auditors were appointed, and a recording was presented titled: ‘My recovery journey’.

Ms Zeldah Makhube, director of Sanca Witbank, presented her report.

She importantly indicated that addiction/substance use disorder (SUD) is complex, not a respecter of people and can grow in some of the greatest nurturing and highest-functioning families.

Further, it is the basis of fundamental stress that resonates through the family system and affects the family’s relationships with each system in the community.

The disease of addiction, she indicated, disrupts family functioning, catalyses abuse, destroys parent-child relationships, breaks marriages, and causes depression and other illnesses.

“Without the family supporting recovery of their loved one and making the necessary changes, the chance of relapse increases and the family system will have difficult time healing from the pain caused by addiction.”

Although supporting the family member in their recovery process is significant, other family members also suffer from a lack of support in their recovery within the context of the addiction of their loved one.

She referred to Jackie Chan after her report, with his words, “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.”

Entertainment followed, and two recordings were displayed, one showing a personal journey of recovery and the other from a parent’s perspective.

A word of support was presented with entertainment that followed, and the keynote speaker, Mr Richard Mbuli, was introduced by Mr Sabelo Buthelezi.

Awards were presented for long service and best employee, followed by appreciation gifts for board members.

The meeting concluded with entertainment for the last time and a vote of thanks and closure.

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