COMMUNITY UNITES FOR PRAYER AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SOCIAL ILLS IN PHONGOLO

By Thuba Vilane

• Community leaders, faith leaders, and citizens gathered in Phongolo, Zululand, for a prayer service, led by MEC Mbali Shinga, to address substance abuse and social issues affecting their communities.
• MEC Shinga emphasised the need for solidarity in tackling the impacts of substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence (GBV), particularly on women and children, calling for both community action and support.
• The event highlighted personal stories and urgent initiatives to support recovery and prevention, with a focus on empowering youth, engaging leaders, and strengthening local law enforcement efforts to create safer communities.

Phongolo, Zululand – Community leaders, faith leaders, and concerned citizens recently gathered in Phongolo, Zululand, for a powerful prayer service to combat substance abuse and the pervasive social ills affecting their communities.

The event, led by Honourable Ms Mbali Shinga, MEC for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, served as a call to action for collective healing and support.

In her keynote address, MEC Shinga stressed the urgent need for community solidarity in addressing the crisis of substance abuse and its links to crime and gender-based violence (GBV). “Substance abuse is not just an individual problem; it is a community crisis that undermines the safety and well-being of families,” she stated. “We must unite in purpose to reflect on the challenges we face and seek healing through both prayer and action.”

She highlighted the alarming reality that women and children are disproportionately affected by violence, often as a result of entrenched patriarchal values. “It is disheartening to note that not a week passes without hearing about a woman or child suffering at the hands of violence,” she remarked, calling for a culture of accountability and support within communities.

A poignant moment in the gathering was shared by Mr. Sandile Masuku, a 22-year-old former heroin addict. Sandile recounted his transformation from a typical teenager to a homeless young man hustling on the streets to feed his addiction to “whoonga” (heroin). “I was banished from my home due to petty theft, stealing from my family to support my drug habit,” he admitted. “I lost everything, and for a while, the streets consumed me.”

His life changed when he met social workers from the KZN Department of Social Development, who introduced him to the SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) programme. Now clean for over a year, Sandile shared, “If it wasn’t for the support I received, I wouldn’t be here today,” inspiring many with his story of resilience and recovery.

Attendees participated in heartfelt prayer sessions, seeking strength as they confronted familiar social challenges. MEC Shinga encouraged everyone to build a safer community actively. “Let our prayers lead us to action, empowering us to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a refuge for those who seek safety,” she urged.

The event also highlighted the critical role of local leaders and faith communities in combating substance abuse and GBV. “You are the backbone of our efforts,” Shinga said, urging leaders to educate their congregations about the dangers of substance abuse and challenge the stigma surrounding these issues. “By breaking the silence, we can collectively address the norms that perpetuate violence and inequality,” she added.

Addressing the youth, MEC Shinga acknowledged the growing prevalence of substance abuse among young people, exacerbated by social changes and pressures. “The allure of easily accessible substances has devastating effects on health and behaviour,” she warned, advocating for comprehensive prevention programmes like Ke-Moja: I’m Fine Without Drugs, which aims to empower youth with knowledge and support.

This concern is particularly relevant as matric learners prepare for their “pens down” celebrations, a tradition following their examinations. While celebrating this milestone, many are likely to consume alcohol and experiment with drugs, prompting a call for responsible planning and supervision.

MEC Shinga appealed to matric teachers and parents to help oversee these celebrations to prevent unnecessary risks. “We need to ensure our youth can enjoy their milestones safely,” she said.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) also committed to enforcing age restrictions on alcohol consumption, planning to conduct raids on clubs and taverns to prevent underage drinking in public spaces.

In closing, MEC Shinga called on attendees to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. “Let our prayers inspire us to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and commit to being agents of change within our communities,” she concluded.