​​​​On Thursday, 17 March 2016 a community workshop was organised at the Leonsdale library in support of parents and community members who deal with issues of drug addiction and gangsterism in their daily life. The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness in the community about these social ills and to form a support network to aid in managing the challenges that individuals and communities face.

Drug abuse in the community

The event was opened by Cllr Cedric Thomas who delivered the keynote speech on the effects of drug​s in the family and the community. He emphasised the need to break the cycle of denial and said that admitting the problem was the first step towards finding a coping mechanism. A two-hour session followed in which a number of stakeholders presented their views, testimonies and suggestions.

From the education sector, Mrs Sally Witbooi of the University of the Western Cape spoke on the crucial role that libraries can play in promoting community cohesion and offering learning​​ opportunities. She referred to libraries as “the poor people’s university’ and urged parents to give their children the opportunity to make use of the facility.

Ms Arlene Scrimgeo​​ur from Elswood Primary School spoke on the damaging developmental and emotional effects on young children who are raised by tik-addicted parents.

From the law enforcement sector, Sgt Pheiffer of SAPS provided a short informational talk on various drugs and th​​eir effects. Mr Freeman, a prison warden, also spoke on the experience of arriving in prison as a young person and the lasting effects of spending time in jail.

Two speakers also gave testimonies of their personal trials involving drug addiction. Mrs Rehbock spoke on the challenges of living with a drug-addicted husband and Mrs Pakkies spoke abo​​ut the difficult relationship with her son who was an addict.

Two members of the Alcohol and Drug Concerns team closed the discussion with their testimony on their pa​​st experiences with drugs, gangs and life in jail and explained how they had managed to turn their lives around for the good.

Cllr Thomas urges all parents, youths and vulnerable members of the community who are in need of support or r​ehabilitation contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 435 748 or SMS 0800 HELP 4 U.