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Department of Social Development lament alcohol and drug abuse

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KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza says it is hoped that a drug treatment center that has been identified on the province’s south coast in the Cabane area, will go a long way in addressing alcohol and drug abuse. The department is commemorating International Day Against Substance Abuse and Human Trafficking.  

Khoza says the department is also looking to equip addicts with the relevant skills to improve their recovery process.

The 2021 World Drug Report by the United Nations states that in the last year, over 275 million people have used drugs – an increase of 22% from 2010.  

34-year-old Manqoba Khumalo started doing drugs in 2016. He says he started by smoking a cigar but progressed to dabbling with drugs being used by his peers.

“I started to use drugs in 2016, but due to the influence of my friends, I ended up using drugs. I was not aware that when I smoke that I was smoking the drugs and I ended being addicted and I can’t quit.”

Addict Thobani Mabaso came into contact with drugs in 2017. He says this decision destroyed his life. He is struggling to stay clean.

“I wasn’t aware that I was using drugs, but now it’s difficult to leave drugs and I am willing to quit drugs. I hope one day my wish to live a normal life as other people (is realised).”

The WHO further estimates that the number of drug users could rise by as much as 40% in Africa by 2030.  

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development says there are only three rehabilitation centres on the province’s south coast. Currently, close to 500 people are being rehabilitated by private and government rehabilitation centres in this area.  

MEC Khoza says she is hoping that the centre will progressively make an impact.

“The initiative we have taken as the department is very important as it will be the government-owned structure. It has water, electricity and other related things. We will use it to equip the addicts with skills so that when they come out from the institution, they will get jobs or be job creators for themselves.”

Khoza says that the ongoing lockdown has also contributed to the escalation in the number of gender-based violence incidents, sometimes due to depression.  

26 June marks International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking:

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