City substance abuse centre to help drug addicts
THE City of Joburg’s first-ever community-based substance abuse centre was opened this week in Tladi, Soweto.
City mayor Herman Mashaba, who was accompanied by members of his executive, told the residents of Soweto that there should be no place for drug peddlers in our communities and that this treatment centre is there to help the community but above all, give hope to those who are addicted to drugs and other substances.
“As a city, we do understand that socially, it is impossible for some communities to break out of the clutches of drug cartels that target them.
We also understand that in many of our city’s communities, the business of drugs has become the community’s informal economy.
Sometimes, residents refuse to point out dealers because, in one small way or another, the economy of drugs generates the only income for some people.
“However, this illicit economy kills. If it is not stopped immediately, the spread of drugs will choke and suppress the development of our communities, including Tladi and the surrounding areas,” he said, calling on the community to work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify the drug peddlers so that they could be removed from our communities.
The city will, in this financial year, open other community-based substance abuse treatment centres the the Westbury, Riverpark in Alexandra, Joubert Park and the Eldorado Park extension 9 clinics.
These centres will compliment services rendered by both private and state-owned rehabilitation centres.
The city’s member of the mayoral committee for health and social development, Mpho Phalatse, said all efforts will be made to assist communities across the city to fight the scourge of substance abuse and related social ills.
Mandla Mbatha, a recovering substance abuser, told residents, at the opening of the centre, that it was important that communities embrace the treatment centre in Tladi and help those who are abusing drugs.
He added that without the support of communities, it was difficult for substance abusers to seek help.
“I have gone through hell and I have seen how drugs can destroy not only you, but those close to you.
“I have hurt my mother in so many ways, but today I proudly stand before you to say I am clean and that it is possible to lead a drug-free life. All we need to do is to support those who are finding it difficult to quit,” said Mbatha.
I have hurt my mother in so many ways