Addiction problem in Standerton requires a coordinated effort
At present, different stakeholders are trying to attend to the town’s staggering number of addicts.
Regular meetings at the Thusong Centre in Sakhile for those struggling with substance abuse, have resulted in four people being referred to a social worker.
This follows a decision taken on October 28 during which representatives of the Mpumalanga Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Marc), SAVF, Tutela, Lekwa Football Association and community members were present.
Mr Barry van Rensburg, a private practitioner from Mkhondo (Piet Retief) and previously involved with Marc, argued then that a local steering committee should tackle all forms of substance abuse.
The role of qualified social workers in Standerton was emphasised.
Mr Van Rensburg visited the offices of the Standerton Advertiser on Wednesday, December 1, giving some details on the procedures to follow when organising rehabilitation.
The government requires inter alia a physical address to return to after rehabilitation.
The newspaper contacted Ms Jabu Maseko from Sakhile on December 2 for her take on progress made at the weekly meetings and also visited the offices of the SAVF in Schwickard Street the same day.
Ms Maseko said she is trying her best to keep the group active every Wednesday with continued community support group sessions.
“We will slowly, but surely be successful in changing our community,” she added.
When asked, Ms Hellen Marima, social worker at the SAVF, said different stakeholders need to come together to coordinate processes related to addicts.
“Hospitals, clinics, police, churches, professionals and the departments of health and of social development need to form a chain,” Ms Marima added.
The support group meets every Wednesday at 10:00 at the Thusong Centre.
At present, different stakeholders are trying to attend to the town’s staggering number of addicts.
Kuyenzeka Kunkulunkulu, a Christian-based organisation, manages a soup kitchen for the homeless every Saturday, with a representative from the department of social development usually present and Spirit Love Ministries have a hands-on approach, trying to identify those with addiction problems.
Those crossing the doorsteps of formal institutions such as the SAVF, Tutela and Marc also need to be taken into account.
The Standerton Advertiser is planning a meeting with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the energies are channeled towards a single goal, namely of assisting those in need.