Concerned parents wage war on drug abuse

A GROUP of concerned Buffalo City Metro parents affected by drug abuse in their communities have rallied to combat the problem and teach life skills to those grappling with addiction.

The group launched a communitybased organisation last Friday to deal with the drug problem in their communities.

Pakamani Arise is a community empowerment campaign that will raise awareness, offer counselling and support to those affected by drug abuse.

The idea of the organisation was developed in January to help those affected by drug controlled lifestyles, offering them coping mechanisms.

More than 10 parents gathered at Buffalo City College to discuss a way forward in rolling out the campaign to help the greater East London area.

Director of the organisation, Bantwini Deliwe, said after he had recognised the need in the community he decided to start the organisation.

“Our children are facing drug problems and it makes us as parents feel powerless.

“My son who now is a grownup also battled with this animal and we need to find a way to better help them during these times,” said Deliwe.

“When we went into the communities, we found that in the rural areas there was nowhere to turn to for these kids, so we need to be that place for them,” he added.

He said the organisation also hoped to bring government departments on board to equip the drug abusers with set skills such as sport, economical or technical skills, in a bid to keep them occupied.

Pastor Mnikelo Mazamisa from Amalinda, who was part of the meeting, said he often worked with youth who have been affected by drugs.

He said this kind of programme would assist in bringing awareness for these troubled youth.

“I am concerned for their future and this could be a way that we help parents to get a hold of the problem and help their children sort it out,” Mazamisa said.

Deliwe said their service would be available to every citizen within the metro.

“There are so many crimes committed and you would find that a particular person was on drugs or they were drunk and we need to help where we can,” Mazamisa said. —