Substance abuse in Alexandra has become a community-wide crisis.
The stretch of Florence Mophoso Road from the old Pretoria Main Road to Far East Bank Avenue paints a grim picture, with parts of this road featuring young people affected by addiction, scraping for recyclables.
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Though the issue has long plagued the township, a spark of hope emerged between 2016 and 2019 when substance abuse treatment facilities were established across Johannesburg by the former Mayor Herman Mashaba.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said, during ActionSA’s third Mashaba Legacy Tour stop on November 12, that, prior to this, the city had no such infrastructure designed to care for people struggling with addiction. “He knew that substance abuse is everyone’s problem, it touches the homes of all South Africans.” The tour focused on the former mayor’s efforts to combat drug syndicates and support victims of addiction.
Raymond Hlubi shares his story about how the River Park Clinic helped him overcome addiction. Photo: Itumeleng Maloka
Beaumont also highlighted the establishment of Johannesburg’s first K9 Narcotics Unit, which targeted drug dealers directly, forming part of a multi-pronged strategy to address both supply and recovery in Johannesburg.
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One of the beneficiaries of these substance abuse facilities is Raymond Hlubi, a former substance abuser who credits the River Park Clinic, and Mashaba, with helping him turn his life around. “I was helped through the initiative of the clinic that was established by [Mashaba]. This clinic is so professional. It has social workers, addiction counsellors, doctors, and programmes that support the Alexandra community.”
Hlubi spoke about the fear and stigma surrounding addiction. “South Africa is facing a drug pandemic. People are afraid to rise against this issue, and others fear for their lives.”
Former substance abuser and founder of the Alexandra Anti-Drug organisation, Raymond Hlubi, is calling on residents to unite in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse that continues to devastate the community. #Alex #Drugabuse
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He described the emotional toll on parents, noting that some feel humiliated and think they cannot raise their children well. However, the bigger issue is the infiltration of drugs in the community. “Drugs are everywhere, sold at every corner.” Hlubi now encourages other substance users to seek help, reminding them that recovery is possible.
While the scourge of addiction remains rife, the River Park Clinic, and others of its kind, continue to serve communities, offering them the assistance they need to overcome substance abuse.
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