Advocacy against substance abuse and addiction
Substance and drug abuse are on the increase amongst young people in South Africa. That’s the case for children in school as well as those living on the streets. Our partner projects have seen this first-hand in their communities, with a staggering number of children becoming addicted to alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine (Tik), crack/cocaine and Unga (a heroin-based drug).
In 2009, the Department of Social Development’s Central Drug Authority reported that drug consumption in South Africa was double the world average and that nearly 15% of the population have a drug problem. Recently, the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (Sadag) said 12 was the average age for drug dependency in South Africa and half of the country’s teenagers also use alcohol.
Drugs are very expensive. When we asked a few young people how they afford to buy them, they answered:
“I had been stealing stuff from my parent’s home. They chased me. I am now forced into committing minor crimes to help me to sustain my habit.” Sabelo
“I go round town to pick up used plastic containers, papers and tins. I then sell these items to recycling companies. This helps me buy the drugs.” Peter
“I am a prostitute. I make some money and this helps me buy the drugs.” Jane
“I beg every day on the streets and make not less than R150 (£7.50).”
Young people take drugs because of peer pressure, a need for peace and escape because of the struggles of abuse and poverty at home, and drugs and alcohol are easily available in their communities.
How E3 and our partners are responding
In 2022, we started to work together to respond to this crisis. We run workshops to raise awareness of substance abuse and addiction in schools. Several young learners recently shared how the project has helped them to stop taking drugs. Some of the children have talked about their choice to stay away from drugs because of what they have learned.
Meanwhile, King’s Community Projects ministers to people living on the streets, many of whom are HIV positive and addicted to drugs, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It tries to reconnect people to their families and facilitates reconciliation where possible. It also provides second-hand clothes, a meal twice a week and prayers and counselling.
