On Tuesday, 05 June 2018, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba and MMC for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, opened the Eldorado Park Community Based Substance Abuse Treatment Centre as part of the City’s intervention on substance abuse.
In 2017, the City officially launched the Integrated Substance Abuse Strategy and the Local Drug Action Committee which is expected to deliver 33 outpatient rehabilitation facilities.
I have previously served as Ward Councillor for Ward 18 which includes Eldorado Park and surrounds. The scourge of drugs and substance abuse in the area has in recent years included the use and abuse of dagga, cocaine, tik, mandrax, nyaope, codeine, ecstasy and heroin to name but a few. It is for this reason, that I am elated to welcome the opening of a Community Based Substance Abuse Treatment Centre in Eldorado Park.
Prevention programs have been undertaken by various sectors over the years to address the problem. However, most have been amiss, owing to the lack of a comprehensive Integrated City Strategy in dealing with the scourge of drugs.
The impact of this scourge is seen in the many young people who live wasted lives, missing their potential and involving themselves in criminal activities. In response to this, the City has partnered with the South African National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (SANCA), on an integrated, community- based and driven programme of action.
There is already a close understanding with the City’s Community Development Department to optimise recreation centers for young people to gain access to these facilities and prevention programmes currently being offered by the Social Development Department.
We must also build a zero tolerance culture against drug dealers by continuing to encourage communities to come forward with information, and a culture of accountability, where corrupt police officials will also need to be dealt with.
The role of Councillors is crucial. I will at the next Multiparty Whippery Meeting bring forward suggestions to train ward Councillors to deal with issues involving the use of drugs and substance abuse in their community to address the drug problem, and to ensure that no young person is left behind.
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip of Council
Cllr Dr. Kevin Wax
Chief Whip of Council
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries:
Siyanda Makhubo
Spokesperson
Office of the Chief Whip of Council
Cell: 081 548 9078
Email: SiyandaMa@joburg.org.za
