A group of Salt River residents are on a mission to free the area of drugs and drug related incidents.
They have launched a Drug Free Salt River by 2030 initiative to champion this goal.
Sulaiman Appoles, executive member of the Salt River Resident’s Association, says the drug free programme seeks to have the area substance abuse free by 2030.
“It is a long-term programme. The focus of the programme is on the drug abuse victim, their family and friends. We take the view that the substance abuser is a victim themselves.
Appoles says substance abuse remains a major challenge in the area.
“Drug addiction or abuse is one of the biggest drivers of problems in our community. From petty crime, car theft, violent crime against women and children in some way it can all be traced back to drug addiction. We are also mindful of the fact that this can get worse.”
He says as residents they are of the view that “unless we team with others this problem will overwhelm us”.
“We believe it can be achieved. It will be difficult, but not impossible. It can be achieved through community action, care, treatment, ongoing support, education and awareness.”
Appoles explains that from now until the end of the year volunteers will be trained as community-based substance abuse counsellors.
“Our next phase, which will end in December, is the training of seven people from the local community as volunteer counsellors (the buddy system). One of our key objects is also to have Spencer Road Clinic (City Reproductive Health) elaborated to a Matrix Treatment Centre.”
He explains that the programme was officially launched on Heritage Day (Saturday 24 September) with a walkabout through the area.
He says following the walk various guest speakers addressed the crowd. According to Appoles the community has shown a keen interest in the project and adds that the Heritage Day event was funded and made possible by the residents.
Speakers on the day include Dr Mzamo Jakavula (Valkenberg Psychiatric), Haneem Smith (Locus House), Zakeya Arend (City Health) and Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor.
“The popular culture in South Africa is essentially one of alcoholism, drug addiction and gender-based violence, so we are seeking to create a new culture. This is why we decided to launch on Heritage Day.”
The programme will be run by the community to aid the community.
“We encourage people to take hands with us. We believe every drug addict should be on a 4-to-5-year programme and accompanying that person would be a coach or counsellor.”
Appoles says change is only possible when they work collaboratively.
“When your neighbour’s wall breaks, you own is in danger. That is the message that we want to share, no one has the solution, everyone has a piece of the solution, and it is only through collaboration that we can achieve effective solutions. All in to get one result.”
