KASI businesses are joining hands to tackle drugs.
The Business in Unity, which is made up of small businesses, medical practitioners and individuals backed by chain restaurants and filing stations in Soweto, launched a pilot project at Protea Glen Community Hall on Saturday, June 17. The aim of the project is to fight drug abuse.
During the event, 53 drug addicts committed themselves to go to rehab. Moss Meje, owner of Morekhuri Trading CC, offered his offices as a space where people could bring their documents for collection and will be sent to rehab. The required documents are ID copies, contact details and an address.
Moss said they would do whatever it takes, with or without government's support, to help nyaope boys and girls overcome their addiction.
He said this was only the start of their mission and the event will be held every year on 17 June to make a difference.
“The journey to sobriety is not an easy one and this group understands that better than most. Many of the individuals have already gone through the withdrawal process and the physical and psychological pain that accompanies it. But they are determined to break the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives,” said Moss.
Tshidiso Monyane (36), founder of Tshenolo Substance Abuse Service Centre, a non-profit organisation that helps fight substance abuse and develop strategies to prevent drug use in Moletsane and other areas in Soweto, shared his story with the attendees.
As a recovering nyaope addict, he recounted his story of triumph over addiction.
“I had been struggling with drugs for almost a decade and it had taken a toll on me, my family, especially my children. So, I sought help from social workers, who arranged for me to go to a rehab centre. Miraculously, only six months later, I had broken free from my addiction and emerged clean,” said Tshidiso.
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Business in Unity spokesman Joey Lehomo told Daily Sun that a group of nyaope addicts are expected to embark on a journey of self-reliance and sobriety and they will submit copies of ID documents at Morekhuri Trading CC offices in Protea Glen, to be accepted into rehabilitation centers.
“The group's bold step follows an initiative by Protea Glen's local business community to combat the prevalence of drug addiction in the township. The group welcomed more than 53 nyaope addicts, who attended the event - all of whom expressed a desire to end their addiction,” said Lehumo.
She said that once they have been rehabilitated, they will be given an opportunity to skills development and job placement so that they do not relapse.
