The Provincial, International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking commemoration was held in Kommagas, Namakwa, on 28 June 2017

Ms Hendina Samson HoD delivered the Keynote Adress on behalf of the MEC, Gift van Staden. She Relayed that the problem with Drugs are an International crisis that leading to Death, violence and so much pain and that it does not discriminate against anyone, it affect all races, classes, genders etc.  It is important to realize that it is a complex problem; it does not only refer to “hard” drugs, such as cocaine, heroine or tik, but also Oka Pipe, Grand-Pa powders, Cough Mixture and prescription medicines etc., affecting your Health, the environment and disintegrate families and even lead to the murder of parents etc.

Ms. Samson said that South Africa is known as a drug Haven because drugs are easily obtainable and are easily trafficked.  The National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey, conducted in 2008, revealed shocking statistics: Nationally 49.6% of learners had one or more drinks of alcohol in their lifetime and
 - One in 8 Learners had used alcohol before age 13
 - The Northern Cape had the highest proportion of learners who have used alcohol on school property in school time;
 - the highest prevalence of learners who used dagga before the age of 13 (9.2%), as well as on school property;
 - 10.4% of Northern Cape learners have used cocaine, while the national average is 6.7%;
 - Northern Cape and Limpopo had the highest prevalence of learners who have used heroine (10.4%);
 - 12% of Northern Cape learners have used Club Drugs.
 - 10.5% have used 'Tik'; while the national average is 6.6%.
 - The Northern Cape has the second Highest proportion of learners reported having engaged in sex after consuming alcohol (24.9%) and drugs (24.5)
 
“Alcohol and other drugs decrease inhibitions, and safe sex negotiation skills, which makes young people even more vulnerable to unprotected sex associated with unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Mental health and physical problems manifest in symptoms of depression such as disturbed sleep, loss of appetite and pleasure which is associated with adolescent use of alcohol, dagga and cigarettes.  Dagga use in particular, could lead to schizophrenia.” 

In closure Ms Samson cautioned against the threat of human trafficking, as people are seen as objects and not as living beings. She said that communities must not allow people to poison their societies and that they must report drug lords to SAPS.  She also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation- and support services to addicts, saying that the building of the In-patient Rehabilitation Centre in Kimberley is nearing finalization.

Ms Samson then handec over a cheque total to the total of R376 000 to the “Eerste Treetjie Bewaarskool” committee, who will manage the funds as part of the Community Mobilization  Enhancement (CME) site, in order to facilitate the empowerment especially the youth in Kommagas and a process to turn SASSA grants into job creation projects.

She futher pledged another R50 000, with the words “Love yourself enough to take Action!”

A resident of Kommagas, Mr. Bertus Fortuin, delivered testimony on how substance absue had affected his house, saying that it affect your brain in such a way that you think, feel and talk differently. He also debunked some preconcieved notions alcohol affects all people, not only weaklings and certain classes of people; all alcoholics do not abuse their families or have emotional outbursts.  He said that alcohol is used to alleviate emotional pains and that many alcoholics do not want to acknowledge that they are alcoholics before they land in the gutter. 
He explained it in the following way: “A woman is pregnant, wether she is 2 months or 8 months pregnant; a small cancerous tumour is still cancer.”   Mr. Fortuin urged people to see the red light and to stop before treatment is necessary, saying that it may start gradually, but in the end it brings estrangement between you and God. 

He said that it is a ongoing struggle, but addicts must know that there is many organisations that want to assist and that families must remember that after care and support is of utmost importance.

Senior manager: Restorative Services, Mr. Donald Whitebooi was the Programme Directro, the Opening was done by Ds. Present and the Welcoming by Councillor Paulus van Reenen, while entertainment were provided by the Bosasa Choir and the “Sonskyn Bejaarde Klub” and a drama on substance abuse.

After the formal programme there was a festival of services, where people broke in to groups to learn more about:
 - Effects of alcohol abuse, including FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome).
 - Effective Parenting Skills.
 - Puppet show to raise awareness on substance abuse, followed by some face-painting.
 - Youth empowerment compile a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and how to present yourself during an interview.
 - Basic Self-defence.
 - Demonstration on Active Aging/Golden Games for Older Persons.

 

By Nelmarie van Wyk