Residents in Diepsloot, North of Johannesburg are worried about drugs that continue to destroy lives of young people in the area.
This was revealed when Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) engaged with community members during the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Diepsloot Youth Centre.
The event was celebrated under the theme: "Health for Justice, Justice for Health", with the aim of reducing the endemic of substance abuse in society.
Addressing the community, Thembeni Mhlongo, Head of Department said, "We must use this day to raise awareness on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drugs to our people. We call upon all citizens to join us in our provincial effort to build a drug-free province", she said.
She further emphasised that a comprehensive approach to drug prevention and treatment needs to integrate interventions from a justice and health perspective.
Diepsloot has been identified as one of the areas with a high rate of nyaope and dagga users. To address this problem, Social Workers, officials from the Department of Education and other stakeholders interacted with youth on substance abuse.
Government remains committed to act against the scourge of substance abuse as this has devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and society at large.​​